About this Video

• Video Title: United States vs China - Who Would Win? Army / Military Comparison 2025
• Channel: The Infographics Show
• Speakers: Narrator
• Duration: 00:30:15

Introduction

This video compares the military strengths of the United States and China in 2025, analyzing various aspects like manpower, naval power, air power, missile technology, land forces, and alliances to determine which nation holds a military advantage. The video concludes that while China is rapidly modernizing and expanding its military, the U.S. maintains a significant lead due to technological superiority, global alliances, and established logistical networks.

Key Takeaways

• Manpower: China has a significantly larger active military force (over 2 million) compared to the U.S. (around 1.3 million), primarily due to population differences. However, the U.S. maintains a global presence and is considered more militarized per capita.
• Naval Power: Both nations possess approximately 350 combat-ready warships. The U.S. Navy has a qualitative advantage with 11 nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, while China has only two active carriers and is focusing on expanding its fleet size, including a greater number of smaller vessels.
• Air Power: The U.S. possesses a larger and more technologically advanced air force, including fifth-generation fighters (F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II), which are considered superior to China's J-20 Mighty Dragon. However, China is rapidly increasing its production of J-20s and other aircraft. The U.S. also possesses a significant advantage in stealth bombers (B-2 Spirit and the upcoming B-21 Raider).
• Missile Technology: Both nations are advancing missile technology. China has developed hypersonic missiles and is expanding its nuclear arsenal. The U.S. maintains a larger nuclear arsenal and is developing advanced missiles like the AIM-260 JATM and the Mako hypersonic missile.
• Land Forces: China possesses a larger number of tanks and armored vehicles. However, the U.S. Army's technology and logistical capabilities are considered superior. The U.S. Marine Corps is undergoing a transformation (Force Design 2030) focusing on littoral combat and agile operations in the Indo-Pacific.
• Alliances and Global Reach: The U.S. benefits from its extensive network of global alliances (NATO, partnerships with South Korea, Japan, and Australia) and its vast network of military bases worldwide, offering unparalleled logistical advantages and strategic reach. China's alliances are more limited.

China's official military budget for 2025 is estimated at $266 billion, although some analysts believe the actual figure could be closer to $700 billion. In contrast, the U.S. military budget for 2025 is estimated at around $849 billion. China's military budget has been steadily rising, practically doubling in 12 years and growing more than tenfold since 2000, reflecting both economic growth and a commitment to modernization. However, China spends a smaller percentage of its GDP on defense (1.7%) compared to the U.S. (3.4%).