SIPRI Report: Asia-Pacific Military Spending Sees Largest Growth in 16 Years; Taiwan Up 14%
SIPRI reported that global military spending reached $2.9 trillion in 2025. Asia-Pacific countries saw the largest growth in 16 years, with Taiwan's spending increasing by 14% to $18.2 billion due to regional tensions.
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- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 10:46
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Stockholm, April 26 (CNA) - The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) pointed out that global military spending reached nearly $2.9 trillion in 2025, growing for the 11th consecutive year. Asia-Pacific countries recorded their largest spending increase in 16 years, with Taiwan growing 14% to $18.2 billion.
According to AFP, the top three spenders—the US, China, and Russia—accounted for more than half of global spending, totaling $1.48 trillion.
Military spending in Asia and Oceania reached $681 billion, an 8.5% increase from 2024, marking the region's largest annual growth since 2009. SIPRI researcher Lorenzo Scarazzato noted that China's military spending has grown for 30 consecutive years, estimated at $336 billion in 2025. He said, 'What is perhaps more noteworthy is the reaction of other countries, such as South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, responding to perceived threats.' Japan's spending rose 9.7% to $62.2 billion, representing 1.4% of GDP, the highest since 1958.
Global spending increased by 2.9% despite a budget cut in the US, the world's largest spender. Scarazzato told AFP that the decline in US spending was offset by increases in Europe and Asia, reflecting 'another year of war and rising tensions.' US spending was $954 billion in 2025, down 7.5%, primarily due to a lack of new military aid for Ukraine. However, this is expected to be temporary, with over $1 trillion approved for 2026 and potentially $1.5 trillion in 2027 under President Trump's proposals.
Europe was a major driver of growth, with spending increasing 14% to $864 billion, driven by the war in Ukraine and the US asking Europe to take more defense responsibility. Germany increased spending by 24% to $114 billion, and Spain by 50% to $40.2 billion. Russia's military spending rose 5.9% to $190 billion (7.5% of GDP), while Ukraine's increased 20% to $84.1 billion (40% of GDP).
In the Middle East, spending grew slightly by 0.1% to $218 billion. While most countries increased spending, Israel and Iran saw declines in real terms due to high inflation or the easing of conflict intensity after a January ceasefire.
According to AFP, the top three spenders—the US, China, and Russia—accounted for more than half of global spending, totaling $1.48 trillion.
Military spending in Asia and Oceania reached $681 billion, an 8.5% increase from 2024, marking the region's largest annual growth since 2009. SIPRI researcher Lorenzo Scarazzato noted that China's military spending has grown for 30 consecutive years, estimated at $336 billion in 2025. He said, 'What is perhaps more noteworthy is the reaction of other countries, such as South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, responding to perceived threats.' Japan's spending rose 9.7% to $62.2 billion, representing 1.4% of GDP, the highest since 1958.
Global spending increased by 2.9% despite a budget cut in the US, the world's largest spender. Scarazzato told AFP that the decline in US spending was offset by increases in Europe and Asia, reflecting 'another year of war and rising tensions.' US spending was $954 billion in 2025, down 7.5%, primarily due to a lack of new military aid for Ukraine. However, this is expected to be temporary, with over $1 trillion approved for 2026 and potentially $1.5 trillion in 2027 under President Trump's proposals.
Europe was a major driver of growth, with spending increasing 14% to $864 billion, driven by the war in Ukraine and the US asking Europe to take more defense responsibility. Germany increased spending by 24% to $114 billion, and Spain by 50% to $40.2 billion. Russia's military spending rose 5.9% to $190 billion (7.5% of GDP), while Ukraine's increased 20% to $84.1 billion (40% of GDP).
In the Middle East, spending grew slightly by 0.1% to $218 billion. While most countries increased spending, Israel and Iran saw declines in real terms due to high inflation or the easing of conflict intensity after a January ceasefire.