<h1>China Boosts Defense Budget by 7.2% to $249 Billion Amid Military Modernization Efforts</h1> China has announced a 7.2 percent increase in its national defense budget, raising it to USD 249 billion for the year. The draft budget report was submitted to China's Parliament by the Premier. This marks a continuation of China's defense spending growth, matching last year's increase of 7.2 percent, which was over three times that of India's defense budget. The budget expansion aligns with China's ongoing military modernization efforts, including the development of aircraft carriers, advanced naval ships, and modern stealth aircraft, which have drawn international scrutiny.