China Military Expenditure
1.7%▲ +0.0%
Dec 2024 · Annual
China's military expenditure edged up to 1.71 percent of GDP in 2024 from 1.66 percent in 2023. The ratio remained well below the all-time high of 2.45 percent set in 1990 and above the series low of 1.61 percent recorded in 2021. Data extend back to 1989.
| Actual | Previous | Highest | Lowest | Dates | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.7% | 1.7% | 2.5%Dec 1990 | 1.6%Dec 2021 | 1989 – 2024 | Annual |
Related indicators
| Indicator | Last | Previous | Highest | Lowest | Last updated | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government Debt to GDP | 99.2% | 90.4% | 99.2% | 20.4% | Dec 2025 | Annual |
| Military Expenditure (USD) | $313.7B | $296.8B | $313.7B | $9.8B | Dec 2024 | Annual |
About this series
Military Expenditure in China averaged 1.8% from 1989 until 2024, reaching an all-time high of 2.5% in Dec 1990 and a record low of 1.6% in Dec 2021. The series is reported yearly with history from 1989.
Military expenditure as a share of GDP measures the annual military outlays of China relative to the size of its economy. The data are reported in percent of GDP, on an annual frequency, with the series spanning from 1989 onward.
Source & methodology
We use primary economic sources for every country. See our methodology page for how we source and verify this data.
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