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2024 China Military Strength



China National flag graphic

The GFP index denotes China as a Top 5 global military power.

For 2024, China is ranked 3 of 145 out of the countries considered for the annual GFP review. The nation holds a PwrIndx* score of 0.0706 (a score of 0.0000 is considered 'perfect'). This entry last reviewed on 01/09/2024.


*PwrIndx: Each nation is assessed on individual and collective values processed through an in-house formula to generate its 'PwrIndx' (Power Index) score. Some values are estimated when official numbers are not available. View the NOTES tab below for a detailed breakdown of other assessments.
China country map image
Notes:
View its inventory breakdown at Warpower:China.

Breakdown



NOTES:
The polar area chart above is intended to show relative inherent strengths and weakness at-a-glance; balance is prefered though not always achievable.
1) Manpower encompasses Active, Reserve, and any official Paramilitary forces identified for the nation; personnel from each branch of service is included.
2) Airpower includes war-making aerial systems, excluding trainers and drones.
3) Land Power includes motorized / mechanized vehicular elements as well as towed artillery and mechanized / towed MLRS systems.
4) Naval Power includes commissioned hulls ranging from Blue Water warships and submarines to Brown Water patrol assets (excluded for land-locked powers).
5) Financials average current financial health on the world stage.
6) Scores are an average of related categories in the GFP annual ranking.


China is ranked 3 of 145 out of the countries considered for the annual Global Firepower review. The nation holds a Power Index score of 0.0706 with a score of 0.0000 being considered exceptional in the GFP assessment.
Top 5 world power graphic
This country is a Top 5 world power according to the GFP index formula.
Top 10 world power graphic
This country is a Top 10 world power according to the GFP index formula.
Powerhouse graphic
This country has had a top GFP placement for at least TEN consecutive years.
Manpower graphical icon
This country is a noted Top 10 power in regards to total population (effecting overall manpower).
Dollar signs graphical icon
This country is a Top 10 financial power according to its global standing in key categories.
Petroluem graphical icon
This country is a Top 10 global producer of crude Oil (Petroleum), a critical natural resource.
Natural gas graphical icon
This country is a Top 10 global producer of Natural Gas, a critical natural resource.
Coal graphical icon
This country is a Top 10 global producer of Coal, a critical natural resource.
Nuclear power logo
This country is a noted nuclear power under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) of 1968.

Population
1/ 145
Avail.Manpwr
1/ 145
Fit-for-Serv
1/ 145
Mil.Age.Annu
2/ 145
Active Persn
1/ 145
Rez.Persn
14/ 145
Paramil.Persn
4/ 145
Aircraft
3/ 145
Fighters
2/ 145
Attack Types
3/ 145
Transports
3/ 145
Trainers
5/ 145
Spl.Mission
4/ 145
Tankers
7/ 145
Helicopters
3/ 145
Attack Helos
3/ 145
Tanks
4/ 145
Vehicles
2/ 145
Artillery (SP)
3/ 145
Art.(Towed)
13/ 145
MLRS
1/ 145
Ships
2/ 145
AC Carriers
2/ 145
Helo.Carriers
3/ 145
Destroyers
2/ 145
Frigates
1/ 145
Corvettes
2/ 145
Submarines
3/ 145
Offsh.Patrol
5/ 145
Mine Warfare
2/ 145
Oil Prod
5/ 145
Oil Consump
113/ 145
Oil Rez.Proven
13/ 145
Nat.Gas Prod
4/ 145
NatGas Cons
107/ 145
NatGas Rez
7/ 145
Coal Prod
1/ 145
Coal Consump
115/ 145
Coal Rez.Prvn
4/ 145
Labor Force
1/ 145
Merch.Marines
3/ 145
Major Ports
4/ 145
Roadways
3/ 145
Railways
2/ 145
Airports
12/ 145
Def.Budget
2/ 145
Ext.Debt
105/ 145
Foreign Rez
1/ 145
Purch.Power
1/ 145
Sq.Land Area
4/ 145
Coastline
98/ 145
Shared Border
134/ 145
Waterways
6/ 145


Excellent
Good
Average
Fair
Poor


GENERAL CAPABILITIES
Theoretical, automatically generated based on supplied values.

National Defense
Overseas Power Projection
Attrition War
Guerilla/Asymmetric Warfare
Airspace Defense
Tactical Reach
Strategic Reach
Battlefield Support
Anti-Armor
Armored Warfare
Internal Security
Land Convoy Protection
Indirect Fire Support
Naval Warfare
Naval Convoy Protection
Waterway Denial
Submarine Hunting
Long-Term Sustainment
Global Trade
Goods/Supplies Transportation
Natural Geographic Defense



Capital City: Beijing
Population: 21,333,000


AVERAGE TEMPS / PRECIPITATION
JAN
27F
FEB
33F
MAR
45F
APR
59F
MAY
70F
JUN
77F
JUL
81F
AUG
78F
SEP
69F
OCT
57F
NOV
41F
DEC
30F
Showcased as average temperatures (F) found across a given country's capital city over a twelve-month calendar period (January-December). Colors represent cooler-to-warmer temperatures depending on time of year. Average monthly precipitation chances (0% to 100%) are show as green stripes under temperature values (brighter green = higher chance of precipitation).


The act of waging (and sustaining) a prolonged conflict requires a massive financial commitment from all parties involved. As such, GFP focuses on a select group of financially-related categories showcased below.


Small graph icon
1/145
Purchasing Power Parity:
$24,861,000,000,000 USD
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1/145
Foreign Exchange/Gold:
$3,428,000,000,000 USD
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2/145
Defense Budget:
$227,000,000,000 USD
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105/145
External Debt:
$2,027,950,000,000 USD
All monetary values presented in United States Dollar (USD$).


Manpower is one of the few categories that every nation satisfies in the GFP index to one extent or another. These categories detail the maximum and realistic number of souls a given nation can commit to a war effort, be it offensive or defensive in nature.


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1/145
Total Population:
1,413,142,846
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1/145
Available Manpower
763,097,137 (54.0%)
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1/145
Fit-for-Service
626,022,281 (44.3%)
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2/145
Reaching Mil Age Annually
19,784,000 (1.4%)
Tot Mil. Personnel (est.)
3,170,000 (0.2%)
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1/145
Active Personnel
2,035,000 (0.1%)
Small graph icon
14/145
Reserve Personnel
510,000 (0.0%)
Small graph icon
4/145
Paramilitary
625,000 (0.0%)
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2/145
Air Force Personnel*
400,000
Small graph icon
1/145
Army Personnel*
2,545,000
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2/145
Navy Personnel*
380,000


*These values may be estimated.
Manpower Composition:
Hover over the various color-coded sections in the bar below for details on each category.


GFP tracks specific categories related to aerial warfare capabilities of a given power. READINESS values are based against the U.S. Air Force's 75% average across all categories to account for availability of individual over-battlefield assets due to general maintenance, modernization, refurbishment and the like. Percent values are % of total inventory stock available.


Small graph icon
3/145
Aircraft Total:
Stock: 3,304
Readiness: 2,478*
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2/145
Fighters:
Stock: 1,207 (36.5%)
Readiness: 905*
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3/145
Attack Types:
Stock: 371 (11.2%)
Readiness: 278*
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3/145
Transports (Fixed-Wing):
Stock: 289 (8.7%)
Readiness: 217*
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5/145
Trainers:
Stock: 402 (12.2%)
Readiness: 302*
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4/145
Special-Mission:
Stock: 112 (3.4%)
Readiness: 84*
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7/145
Tanker Fleet:
Stock: 10 (0.3%)
Readiness: 8*
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3/145
Helicopters:
Stock: 913 (27.6%)
Readiness: 685*
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3/145
Attack Helicopters:
Stock: 281 (8.5%)
Readiness: 211*


*Values are estimated.
Inventory Composition:
Hover over pie slices in the chart below for category information. Pecentages below are not part of overall strength above but rather relative to each category presented below.

For an in-depth overview of current leading air powers of the world, including active inventories and strengths, consult the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft (www.WDMMA.org).

GFP tracks specific categories related to land warfare capabilities of a given power. READINESS values are based against the U.S. Army's 80% average across all categories to account for availability of individual battlefield assets due to general maintenance, modernization, refurbishment and the like.


Small graph icon
4/145
Tanks:
Stock: 5,000
Readiness: 4,000*
Small graph icon
2/145
Vehicles:
Stock: 174,300
Readiness: 139,440*
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3/145
Self-Propelled Artillery:
Stock: 3,850
Readiness: 3,080*
Small graph icon
13/145
Towed Artillery:
Stock: 1,434
Readiness: 1,147*
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1/145
MLRS (Rocket Artillery):
Stock: 3,180
Readiness: 2,544*


*Values are estimated.
Inventory Composition:
Hover over pie slices in the chart below for category information.



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2/145
Total Assets:
730
Small graph icon
2/145
Aircraft Carriers:
2
Small graph icon
3/145
Helicopter Carriers:
3
Small graph icon
2/145
Destroyers:
49
Small graph icon
1/145
Frigates:
42
Small graph icon
2/145
Corvettes:
72
Small graph icon
3/145
Submarines:
61
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5/145
Patrol Vessels:
150
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2/145
Mine Warfare:
36
Inventory Composition:
Hover over the pie slices in the chart below for more details.

For an in-depth overview of current leading naval powers of the world, including active inventories and strengths, consult the World Directory of Modern Military Warships (www.WDMMW.org).
GFP Hull Classifications:
GlobalFirepower.com (GFP) takes a rather conventional approach to hull classifications regarding per-country naval assets. Below are descriptions of each type considered:

Aircraft Carriers
These are either conventional- or nuclear-powered forms showcasing an expansive flight deck with hangar elevators for access. This surface is used for the launching and retrieval of fixed-wing aircraft (as a primary function) and rotorcraft (as a secondary function). In modern navies, Aircraft Carriers represent the flagship of the fleet, making them vital assets. Only a few select nations maintain an aircraft carrier as part of their surface fleet.
Helicopter Carriers
The Helicopter Carrier primarily supports rotorcraft and may offer facilities for the operation of Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) fixed-wing aircraft such as the F-35 and AV-8B 'jump jets'. These vessels are typically dimensionally smaller when compared to their Aircraft Carrier brethren. Provision for operating UAVs may also be seen in these vessel types.
Destroyers
Destroyers are the largest named, non-carrier ship type in modern fleets (not including Cruisers which are used by only a few powers). They are powerful, multi-mission oriented hulls with a broad array of sensors, processing systems, and weaponry and can support one or more rotorcraft from their included flight deck. Some forms are mission-specific, focusing on airspace deterrence or submarine hunting as primary roles.
Frigates
Frigates are the economical answer to the Destroyer, given roughly the same Blue Water / deep water capabilities and broad weapons / mission set. Similarly, they can support rotorcraft and operate independently or as part of the main fighting fleet. Their hull design bridges the gap between the dimensionally larger Destroyer and the smaller Corvette.
Corvettes
Corvettes typically represent the 'smallest' named vessels of the fleet. These are relatively compact hulls capable of operating in Blue Water environments as well as close-to-shore depending on draught depth. Corvettes can prove to be an economical measure for specific powers finding Frigate types out-of-scope and can also serve well those nations showcasing long-running coastlines.
Submarines
Conventionally- (diesel-electric) and nuclear-powered submersible hull designs are grouped together in the GFP analysis. Additionally, there is no distinction made between dedicated-attack, ballistic missile, and nuclear-attack types. Compact 'midget' submarines are also included as they still form portions of some fleets (as is the case for North Korea and Iran).
Patrol Vessels
The Patrol Vessel category is purposely broad and includes Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) types as well as gunboats, missile boats, fast-attack craft, and - in some cases - riverine assets. These boats are given shallow draughts for their specific operating environments and will typically serve as deterrent and enforcement assets in the grand scheme of the surface fleet.
Mine Warfare
Mine Warfare and Mine / Countermine assets are a generally overlooked portion of any surface fleet but prove just as critical as other designs particularly in times of war where their capabilities allow for denial of strategic waterways or participation in 'siege tactics' against harbors and ports. The GFP analysis reflects their importance in modern naval warfare.

End-use products reflect a given nation's ability to produce products through manufacturing, industry, and / or agriculture.
Icon image of airplane
AEROSPC
Icon image of aluminum parts
ALUMINUM
Icon image of an AK47 assault rifle
ARMAMNTS
Icon image of a car
AUTOS
Icon image of cement bag
CEMENT
Icon image of chemicals
CHEMICLS
Icon image of circuit board
CIRCUITS
Icon image of a womans dress
CLOTHING
Icon image of coal lump
COAL
Icon image of satellite
COMMS
Icon image of corn cob
CORN
Icon image of a cucumber
CUCUMBR
Icon image of a flat panel TV
ELCTRNCS
Icon image of a fertilizer bag
FERTLZR
Icon image of food processing equipment
FOODPROC
Icon image of a pair of shoes
FOOTWR
Icon image of an iron nugget
IRON
Icon image of various melon types
MELONS
Icon image of a metal stack
METALS
Icon image of mining pick and shovel
MINING
Icon image of a potato
POTATOES
Icon image of a barrel of oil
PETROLM
Icon image of a modern locomotive
RAILWAY
Icon image of a pile of rice
RICE
Icon image of a ship anchor
SHPBLDG
Icon image of classic space shuttle
SPACE
Icon image of steel beams
STEEL
Icon image of a stack of sugar cane rods
SGRCANE
Icon image of a pile of sweet potatoes
SWTPOTAT
Icon image of a cell tower
TELECOM
Icon image of textile swatches
TEXTILES
Icon image of a tomato clump on-the-vine
TOMATOES
Icon image of a toy robot
TOYS
Icon image of a British double-decker bus
TRNSPRTN
Icon image of a clump of vegetables
VEGTBLES
Icon image of a watermelon
WATRMLN
Icon image of wheat
WHEAT



The GFP index tracks crude Oil (petroleum) and (new as of 2023) Natural Gas and Coal usage / reserves / stock for each country. Natural resources are critical to a nation in both war and peace time, in some cases forming the lifeblood of a given world power. 2022 showed just how natural resources can be 'weaponized' by one party over another.


Small graph icon
5/145
Oil Production:
4,715,000 bbl
Small graph icon
113/145
Oil Consumption:
14,010,000 bbl
Oil Deficit:
-9,295,000 bbl
Small graph icon
13/145
Oil Proven Reserves:
26,022,600,000 bbl

Small graph icon
4/145
Natural Gas Production:
179,317,495,000 cu.m
Small graph icon
107/145
Natural Gas Consumption:
306,576,649,000 cu.m
Natural Gas Deficit:
-127,259,154,000 cu.m
Small graph icon
7/145
Nat.Gas Proven Rez:
6,654,250,000,000 cu.m

Small graph icon
1/145
Coal Production:
4,314,681,000 mt
Small graph icon
115/145
Coal Consumption:
4,506,387,000 mt
Coal Deficit:
-191,706,000 mt
Small graph icon
4/145
Coal Proven Reserves:
141,595,000,000 mt
Oil bbl represented as unit 'barrel of oil'. Natural Gas represented in 'cubic meters'. Coal represented in 'metric tons'.


The GFP formula tracks various factors related to logistics which prove critical to any one global power in both war and peace time. These factor into a nation's ability to move man, machine, and supplies from one point to another - a particularly important quality when considering mass-mobilization.


Small graph icon
1/145
Labor Force:
791,383,000
Small graph icon
3/145
Merchant Marine Fleet:
7,362
Small graph icon
4/145
Ports / Trade Terminals:
22
Small graph icon
12/145
Airports:
507
Small graph icon
3/145
Roadway Coverage:
5,200,000 km
Small graph icon
2/145
Railway Coverage:
150,000 km
Small graph icon
6/145
Waterways (usable):
27,700 km



FINANCIALS - Values partly derived from the CIA World Factbook and presented in USD ($). Estimates made when needed.

GEOGRAPHY - Values derived from the CIA World Factbook. As geography can play a role in both offensive and defensive wars, the GFP formula takes geographic qualities into account (border coverage, coastline coverage).

CAPITAL - Basic details covering the name, population, temperature, and precipitation values of a given capital city.

MANPOWER - Values partly derived from the CIA World Factbook. Some values may be estimated.

AIRPOWER - Values derived from multiple sources. Estimates made when required. Total Aircraft Strength value includes both fixed-wing and rotorcraft platforms from all branches of service (at this time UAVs are not included). 'Attack' value constitutes purpose-built, fixed-wing dedicated attack types. 'Transports' value includes only fixed-wing aircraft while all rotorcraft are represented under the 'Helicopters' value. For an in-depth look into the current air powers of the world, consider "the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft" [www.WDMMA.org - external link].

LAND FORCES - Values derived from multiple sources. Estimates made when required. 'Tanks' value includes Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), medium tanks, and light tanks. 'Vehicles' value includes APCs, IFVs, MRAPs, Armored Cars, and support / logistical / engineering types. 'Rocket Projectors' (MLRSs) include self-propelled and towed forms.

NAVAL FORCES - Values derived from multiple sources. Estimates made when required. 'Total Assets' value includes all possible / available vessels including auxiliaries. 'Aircraft Carriers' value includes only traditional through-deck carriers (both conventionally- and nuclear-powered); Helicopter Carriers are considered in their own separate listing. 'Submarines' value includes both diesel-electric and nuclear-powered types. Landlocked nations are not penalized for the lack of a standing navy. For an in-depth look into the current naval powers of the world, consider "the World Directory of Modern Military Warships" [www.WDMMW.org - external link].

END-USE PRODUCTS - Graphics intended to showcase manufacturing, industrial, and agricultural prowess of a global power. Not all products may be accounted for in the showcase.

NATURAL RESOURCES - Values derived from the CIA World Factbook or estimated in some cases. Values presented as BBL (Barrel unit), cu.m (Cubic Meters), and mt (Metric Tons).

LOGISTICS - Values derived from the CIA World Factbook. Ports & Terminals may reside outside of a nations own borders if arrangements with an ally have been made. Landlocked nations are penalized for the lack of a standing Merchant Marine force.

Comparable Powers


Entries below showcase broadly similar fighting capabilities

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