China's defence budget growth will slow to 7 percent in 2026, according to a draft report submitted to the National People's Congress for review on Thursday.

It marks the 11th consecutive year of single-digit growth for the country's defence budget.

The figure stayed at 7.2 percent for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

According to the draft 2026 budget report, roughly 1.9 trillion yuan would be allocated to national defence.

Meanwhile, Beijing said it will resolutely oppose hegemonism and power politics, and uphold international fairness and justice.

The government work report said China would remain committed to an independent foreign policy of peace and to peaceful development, and would expand its global network of partnerships.

According to the document, China stood ready to work with all members of the international community to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalisation.

The report added China will pursue various international projects such as the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilisation Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative.

The country would also actively participate in reform and development of the global governance system, and make the international order more just and equitable, according to the report.

"In doing so, we will jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity and create a bright future of peace and development for our world," the report said. (Xinhua)



Edited by Edmond Fong