China
Asia · Global Firepower rank #3
Note: State-influenced or opaque figures, treat as directional.
Overview
GFP power index 0.0919
GFP rank 3
Economy
Defense budget (USD) $336,000,000,000
GDP (USD) $19,498,039,000,000
Defense spend, % of GDP (%) 1.7 %
Population 1,404,890,000
Personnel
Active personnel 2,035,000
Reserve personnel 510,000
Paramilitary 625,000
Nuclear
Warheads, total 620
Warheads, deployed 34
Nuclear status Yes
Delivery legs ICBM, SLBM, bomber
NPT status signatory (nuclear-weapon state)
First test year 1964
Air power
Total aircraft 3,529
Fighters 1,443
Attack aircraft 371
Transport aircraft 287
Helicopters 1,007
Attack helicopters 281
Land power
Tanks 5,870
Armored fighting vehicles 152,040
Self-propelled artillery 2,940
Towed artillery 1,400
Rocket artillery (MLRS) 2,770
Naval power
Total naval assets 841
Aircraft carriers 3
Submarines 61
Destroyers 53
Frigates 46
Corvettes 50
Patrol vessels 150
Notes
Official budget widely believed understated; warhead stockpile rising fast.
Sources: Global Firepower 2026, SIPRI 2025, FAS 2026, IMF. Figures are public estimates.
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FAQ
What is China's Global Firepower rank? +
China ranks number 3 in the Global Firepower index.
What is China's defense budget? +
China's estimated defense budget is 336,000,000,000 USD.
How many active military personnel does China have? +
China has an estimated 2,035,000 active-duty personnel.
Does China have nuclear weapons? +
Yes, China is estimated to have 620 nuclear warheads.
Where does this data come from? +
Sources: Global Firepower 2026, SIPRI 2025, FAS 2026, IMF. Figures are public estimates.