US vs China military spending, 1990 to 2025
US military spending was $954 billion in 2025 against China's $336 billion, 2.8 times as much. In 1990 the US spent $325 billion to China's $10 billion.
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What the data shows
- United States: $325B in 1990, $954B in 2025 (2.9× higher). It peaked at $1,005B in 2024.
- China: $10B in 1990, $336B in 2025 (34× higher).
About this chart
The United States spent $325 billion on its military in 1990 and China $10 billion, a ratio of about 32 to 1. By 2025 the US figure is $954 billion and China's is $336 billion, which narrows the ratio to about 2.8 to 1. China's spending grew from $22 billion in 2000 to $106 billion in 2010, $258 billion in 2020 and $336 billion in 2025. US spending was flat from 1990 to 2000 ($325 billion to $320 billion), then more than doubled to $738 billion by 2010.
The figures are military expenditure from SIPRI, published through the World Bank, in current US dollars, so they are not adjusted for inflation and are affected by exchange rates. They count spending, not personnel or equipment. A dollar of military spending may not buy the same in each country, so the dollar comparison does not show relative strength. The 2025 US total is $176 billion higher than in 2020 ($778 billion), while China's rose by $78 billion.
The data
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (MS.MIL.XPND.CD), military expenditure (SIPRI), current US$ billions. Retrieved November 4, 2026.
| Date | 🇺🇸 United States | 🇨🇳 China |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | $325B | $10B |
| 1991 | $299B | $10B |
| 1992 | $325B | $12B |
| 1993 | $317B | $12B |
| 1994 | $308B | $10B |
| 1995 | $296B | $12B |
| 1996 | $288B | $14B |
| 1997 | $293B | $16B |
| 1998 | $291B | $17B |
| 1999 | $298B | $20B |
| 2000 | $320B | $22B |
| 2001 | $332B | $27B |
| 2002 | $378B | $30B |
| 2003 | $441B | $33B |
| 2004 | $493B | $38B |
| 2005 | $533B | $43B |
| 2006 | $558B | $51B |
| 2007 | $590B | $62B |
| 2008 | $657B | $79B |
| 2009 | $706B | $97B |
| 2010 | $738B | $106B |
| 2011 | $752B | $125B |
| 2012 | $725B | $145B |
| 2013 | $679B | $164B |
| 2014 | $648B | $182B |
| 2015 | $634B | $197B |
| 2016 | $640B | $199B |
| 2017 | $647B | $211B |
| 2018 | $682B | $233B |
| 2019 | $734B | $240B |
| 2020 | $778B | $258B |
| 2021 | $806B | $286B |
| 2022 | $861B | $292B |
| 2023 | $916B | $296B |
| 2024 | $1,005B | $312B |
| 2025 | $954B | $336B |
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Suggested caption: “In 1990 the US outspent China about 32 to 1. By 2025 it was under 3 to 1.” Credit the source in your caption; it heads off the 'source?' comments.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does the US spend on its military compared with China?
The US spent $954 billion in 2025 against China's $336 billion, according to SIPRI data in current US dollars. That means the US spent about 2.8 times as much as China.
How fast has China's military spending grown?
China's spending rose from $10 billion in 1990 to $22 billion in 2000, $106 billion in 2010, $258 billion in 2020 and $336 billion in 2025. The largest proportional increase in the years charted was between 2000 and 2010, when spending rose nearly fivefold.
Does this data show military strength?
No. It shows spending in current US dollars, not troop numbers, equipment or capability. Exchange rates and differing costs between countries mean the dollar figures are not a direct comparison of what each military can do.
Where does this data come from?
World Bank, World Development Indicators (MS.MIL.XPND.CD), military expenditure (SIPRI), current US$ billions. Retrieved November 4, 2026. You can download the full table as a CSV from this page.
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