China vs France: Military Spending Comparison
In 2026, China spent $351.8 billion on its military (1.7% of GDP), while France spent $67.7 billion (2.1% of GDP).
Data updated:
China
Military Expenditure (2026)
$351.8 billion
Percent of GDP
1.7%
Rank
#2
Ranked #2 of 153 countries worldwide
France
Military Expenditure (2026)
$67.7 billion
Percent of GDP
2.1%
Rank
#9
Ranked #9 of 153 countries worldwide
Historical Data
| Year | China — USD (millions) | China — Percent of GDP | France — USD (millions) | France — Percent of GDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027(estimate) | $368,519M | 1.70% | $70,967M | 2.30% |
| 2026(estimate) | $351,768M | 1.70% | $67,741M | 2.10% |
| 2025 | $335,018M | 1.72% | $64,515M | 2.03% |
| 2024 | $311,900M | 1.66% | $63,575M | 2.01% |
| 2023 | $292,221M | 1.62% | $60,794M | 1.95% |
| 2022 | $274,158M | 1.59% | $60,193M | 1.96% |
| 2021 | $262,559M | 1.57% | $60,510M | 1.98% |
| 2020 | $255,895M | 1.72% | $58,039M | 2.02% |
| 2019 | $244,376M | 1.65% | $56,074M | 1.85% |
| 2018 | $233,024M | 1.64% | $54,701M | 1.85% |
| 2017 | $220,129M | 1.68% | $54,391M | 1.85% |
| 2016 | $207,375M | 1.73% | $53,500M | 1.85% |
| 2015 | $196,088M | 1.74% | $53,382M | 1.87% |
| 2014 | $181,814M | 1.71% | $51,961M | 1.86% |
| 2013 | $168,375M | 1.68% | $51,072M | 1.85% |
| 2012 | $155,714M | 1.67% | $51,405M | 1.87% |
| 2011 | $141,206M | 1.63% | $52,207M | 1.89% |
| 2010 | $131,536M | 1.70% | $53,807M | 1.97% |
| 2009 | $125,361M | 1.86% | $56,484M | 2.10% |
| 2008 | $103,311M | 1.69% | $52,593M | 1.90% |
| 2007 | $94,425M | 1.72% | $52,978M | 1.91% |
| 2006 | $85,898M | 1.84% | $52,998M | 1.98% |
| 2005 | $74,625M | 1.85% | $52,755M | 2.03% |
| 2004 | $67,956M | 1.91% | $53,859M | 2.11% |
| 2003 | $61,696M | 1.97% | $52,428M | 2.11% |
| 2002 | $57,008M | 2.03% | $50,893M | 2.06% |
| 2001 | $49,635M | 1.96% | $49,868M | 2.04% |
| 2000 | $41,860M | 1.82% | $50,022M | 2.09% |
| 1999 | $38,674M | 1.85% | $50,595M | 2.20% |
| 1998 | $31,724M | 1.64% | $50,172M | 2.25% |