China vs United Kingdom: Military Spending Comparison
In 2026, China spent $351.8 billion on its military (1.7% of GDP), while United Kingdom spent $92.4 billion (2.5% of GDP).
Data updated:
China
Military Expenditure (2026)
$351.8 billion
Percent of GDP
1.7%
Rank
#2
Ranked #2 of 153 countries worldwide
United Kingdom
Military Expenditure (2026)
$92.4 billion
Percent of GDP
2.5%
Rank
#6
Ranked #6 of 153 countries worldwide
Historical Data
| Year | China — USD (millions) | China — Percent of GDP | United Kingdom — USD (millions) | United Kingdom — Percent of GDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027(estimate) | $368,519M | 1.70% | $96,783M | 2.60% |
| 2026(estimate) | $351,768M | 1.70% | $92,384M | 2.50% |
| 2025 | $335,018M | 1.72% | $87,985M | 2.35% |
| 2024 | $311,900M | 1.66% | $89,815M | 2.44% |
| 2023 | $292,221M | 1.62% | $78,167M | 2.15% |
| 2022 | $274,158M | 1.59% | $73,189M | 2.01% |
| 2021 | $262,559M | 1.57% | $72,051M | 2.04% |
| 2020 | $255,895M | 1.72% | $70,959M | 2.14% |
| 2019 | $244,376M | 1.65% | $69,849M | 1.97% |
| 2018 | $233,024M | 1.64% | $67,064M | 1.93% |
| 2017 | $220,129M | 1.68% | $66,563M | 1.94% |
| 2016 | $207,375M | 1.73% | $66,441M | 1.97% |
| 2015 | $196,088M | 1.74% | $66,674M | 2.04% |
| 2014 | $181,814M | 1.71% | $69,339M | 2.17% |
| 2013 | $168,375M | 1.68% | $70,601M | 2.28% |
| 2012 | $155,714M | 1.67% | $73,280M | 2.41% |
| 2011 | $141,206M | 1.63% | $75,373M | 2.49% |
| 2010 | $131,536M | 1.70% | $78,011M | 2.56% |
| 2009 | $125,361M | 1.86% | $79,344M | 2.63% |
| 2008 | $103,311M | 1.69% | $78,093M | 2.48% |
| 2007 | $94,425M | 1.72% | $74,818M | 2.37% |
| 2006 | $85,898M | 1.84% | $72,835M | 2.36% |
| 2005 | $74,625M | 1.85% | $72,502M | 2.42% |
| 2004 | $67,956M | 1.91% | $71,831M | 2.48% |
| 2003 | $61,696M | 1.97% | $70,950M | 2.54% |
| 2002 | $57,008M | 2.03% | $66,234M | 2.47% |
| 2001 | $49,635M | 1.96% | $62,518M | 2.39% |
| 2000 | $41,860M | 1.82% | $60,136M | 2.35% |
| 1999 | $38,674M | 1.85% | $58,949M | 2.41% |
| 1998 | $31,724M | 1.64% | $59,265M | 2.48% |