China Military Expenditure (USD)

$313.7B +$16.8B

Dec 2024 · Annual

China's military expenditure rose to $313.66 billion in 2024 from $296.82 billion in 2023. The figure marks a new all-time high for the series, which dates back to 1989. The previous record was set in 2023.

China Military Expenditure (USD), 1990–2024
ActualPreviousHighestLowestDatesFrequency
$313.7B$296.8B$313.7BDec 2024$9.8BDec 19911989 – 2024Annual

Related indicators

IndicatorLastPreviousHighestLowestLast updatedFrequency
Military Expenditure1.7%1.7%2.5%1.6%Dec 2024Annual
GDP$19.50T$18.73T$19.50T$47.3BDec 2025Annual

About this series

Military Expenditure (USD) in China averaged $110.4B from 1989 until 2024, reaching an all-time high of $313.7B in Dec 2024 and a record low of $9.8B in Dec 1991. The series is reported yearly with history from 1989.

Military expenditure in current US dollars measures annual spending by the armed forces, including personnel, operations, procurement, and research. Data are reported annually and cover the period from 1989 onward. The series is expressed in nominal US dollars without adjustment for inflation.

Source & methodology

We use primary economic sources for every country. See our methodology page for how we source and verify this data.

FAQ

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