China’s nominal defense budget for 2026 is projected between $277 and $303 billion, compared with Russia’s $165 to $213 billion. When adjusted for purchasing‑power parity, China’s budget rises to about $508 billion, while Russia’s is roughly $485 billion, narrowing the difference.
China’s defense spending is growing by about 7 % and is heavily invested in advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, missile systems, and naval expansion, yet its share of GDP remains around 1.4 %. Russia, meanwhile, allocates a larger share of its economy to military and security—about 7.3 % of GDP and roughly 40 % of federal spending—one of the highest levels since the Soviet era.
Overall, China is using its large economy to pursue long‑term modernization of its armed forces, whereas Russia focuses most of its resources on wartime needs and maintaining current operations.