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China military spending by year, 1993 to 2025

China: $335.52 billion in 2025. Military spending peaked at $335.52 billion in 2025 in this 1993–2025 series.

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What the data shows

  • China: $12.36B in 1993, $335.52B in 2025 (27× higher). Its low point was $9.87B in 1994.
  • Russia: $7.77B in 1993, $190.42B in 2025 (25× higher). Its low point was $6.47B in 1999.
  • Germany: $34.87B in 1993, $113.59B in 2025 (3.3× higher). Its low point was $25.72B in 2001.
  • India: $8.25B in 1993, $92.06B in 2025 (11× higher).

About this chart

China's military expenditure rose from $12.36 billion in 1993 to $335.52 billion in 2025, in current US dollars. The highest displayed expenditure was $335.52 billion in 2025. The displayed annual series runs from 1993 through 2025; its lowest value was $9.87 billion in 1994. The preceding annual observation, for 2024, was $311.90 billion.

Military expenditure is the SIPRI-based World Bank series in current US dollars, displayed in billions. Exchange rates and inflation affect its path; the figures do not measure military capability or spending as a share of GDP. In 2025, the comparison lines show Russia ($190.42 billion), Germany ($113.59 billion) and India ($92.06 billion). These peers have the closest latest values among reporting countries with over one million people and a continuous common history; they are not selected by geography.

The data

Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (MS.MIL.XPND.CD), current US$ billions. Retrieved November 5, 2026. Military expenditure is the SIPRI-based World Bank series in current US dollars, displayed in billions. Exchange rates and inflation affect its path; the figures do not measure military capability or spending as a share of GDP. Peers are selected by proximity to the country's latest value among countries with over one million people and a continuous common series.

China: military spending, current US$ billions, 1993 to 2025; three nearest peers, 1993–2025
Date🇨🇳 China🇷🇺 Russia🇩🇪 Germany🇮🇳 India
1993$12.36B$7.77B$34.87B$8.25B
1994$9.87B$13.55B$34.04B$8.88B
1995$12.39B$12.74B$38.56B$9.75B
1996$14.28B$15.83B$36.53B$9.90B
1997$15.70B$17.58B$31.12B$11.46B
1998$17.03B$7.96B$31.06B$11.92B
1999$20.47B$6.47B$30.56B$13.90B
2000$22.24B$9.23B$26.44B$14.29B
2001$26.56B$11.68B$25.72B$14.60B
2002$30.28B$13.94B$27.61B$14.75B
2003$33.14B$16.97B$32.92B$16.33B
2004$37.90B$20.96B$35.67B$20.24B
2005$42.79B$27.34B$35.67B$23.07B
2006$51.45B$34.52B$35.92B$23.95B
2007$62.14B$43.53B$40.16B$28.25B
2008$78.84B$56.18B$45.28B$33.00B
2009$96.60B$51.53B$44.71B$38.72B
2010$105.52B$58.72B$43.07B$46.09B
2011$125.29B$70.24B$45.22B$49.63B
2012$145.13B$81.47B$43.80B$47.22B
2013$164.07B$88.35B$44.26B$47.40B
2014$182.11B$84.70B$44.72B$50.91B
2015$196.54B$66.42B$38.19B$51.30B
2016$198.70B$69.27B$39.95B$56.64B
2017$210.66B$66.89B$42.57B$64.64B
2018$232.54B$61.65B$46.52B$66.23B
2019$240.32B$65.14B$49.08B$71.43B
2020$258.02B$61.88B$53.43B$72.82B
2021$286.06B$65.92B$56.52B$76.25B
2022$291.57B$104.40B$56.13B$79.89B
2023$296.26B$109.20B$68.58B$82.26B
2024$311.90B$149.40B$86.15B$85.60B
2025$335.52B$190.42B$113.59B$92.06B

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Frequently asked questions

How much does China spend on its military?

China spent $335.52 billion on its military in 2025, according to the SIPRI-based World Bank series. The value is in current US dollars, not adjusted for inflation.

When was China's military spending highest in this series?

The highest displayed value was $335.52 billion in 2025. This comparison covers 1993 through 2025; it is not a claim about years outside the available series.

Why are these countries compared with China?

The comparison selects three countries with the closest 2025 values, among countries with over one million people and at least fifteen consecutive annual observations in common. The matching is based on the indicator level, not economic structure or geographic proximity.

Where does this data come from?

World Bank, World Development Indicators (MS.MIL.XPND.CD), current US$ billions. Retrieved November 5, 2026. Military expenditure is the SIPRI-based World Bank series in current US dollars, displayed in billions. Exchange rates and inflation affect its path; the figures do not measure military capability or spending as a share of GDP. Peers are selected by proximity to the country's latest value among countries with over one million people and a continuous common series. You can download the full table as a CSV from this page.

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