China Boosts Defense Budget 7% to $278B; Russia Shares Taiwan Invasion Training with PLA

China's 2026 defense budget rose 7% to approximately $278 billion. Leaked Russian documents reveal Moscow has supplied Beijing with anti-tank guns, parachute systems, and airborne training specifically designed to enhance PLA amphibious and airborne assault capabilities relevant to a Taiwan contingency. The cooperation deepens the Russia-China military axis despite declining bilateral trade.