China is expanding its diplomatic budget by 9.3 per cent, the highest increase in three years, signalling Beijing’s plans to consolidate its geopolitical clout as instability mounts around the globe, according to analysts. The Ministry of Finance on Thursday proposed that 70.975 billion yuan (US$10.28 billion) be allocated for Beijing’s diplomatic spending in 2026, up 9.3 per cent from the previous year. It is the fifth consecutive year that China has increased its foreign affairs spending. The...