BEIJING — China announced a seven percent boost to its defense budget for 2026 on Thursday, as Beijing steadily increases spending to counter the United States and enforce its claims over Taiwan and the South China Sea. The latest rise keeps China’s spending at three times less than the United States, but the rival Asian power is working to close the gap. Beijing plans to spend 1.9096 trillion yuan ($276.8 billion) on defense, according to a report published at the opening of the nation’s “Two Sessions” political conclave. READ: West PH Sea: Hegseth warns China ‘preparing’ to use military force […]... Keep on reading: China boosts military spending with eyes on US, Taiwan