Modernity and its associate may well have changed the outlook and benchmarks of development and growth but still, it remains an unchallenged fact that a country’s strength and might is largely dependent upon its economic condition and military prowess.
As MSMN launches a new series to enlighten the readers about where one country stands in comparison to the other, we would begin with Asian giant China and probably the world’s most powerful country the United States of America.
The pundits of political affairs today unanimously reckon that “the business of politics is the politics of business.” So, analyzing the economic positions of both the countries is the first step to be followed while comparing them.
GDP and PPP – Relying on the figures of World Bank published in 2016, it can be safely said that for a major period of time, America is the global leader in terms of Gross Domestic Product as the United States alone generates 24 per of the global GDP. But China, on the other hand, is rapidly making her impact felt in the global business arena. Although China’s percentage of GDP is not as high as US’s, both IMF and World Bank has certified China as the largest economy in terms of the Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) which, in turn, takes her GDP upwards indirectly.
Growth – As far as the growth rate of China’s economy I concerned, it leaves behind America almost by 3 times. The economy of the People’s Republic of China is escalating at a rate of almost 7 per cent while the number for the US is just 2.5 per cent. Moreover, US is currently facing a trade deficit i.e the country imports more than she exports while the scenario is diametrically opposite when looked from a Chinese perspective.
FDI – Although China is fast growing, it is never easy to catch up, leave aside overtake, US in terms of market economics. US’s economy is already mature and to add to that America proudly boasts of attracting massive foreign direct investment that not only rejuvenates but also strengthens her economy. If China aims to give the US a strong fight in the market, then its time for her to convert herself into a modern consumer driven economy from a resource-intensive manufacturing center.
Now, let’s shift focus to the apparatuses of defense of both the countries.
Air Force – If we consider the air defense of US and China, the former leads the latter by a massive margin. While the US has 14,000 active military aircraft, China only has 3,000.
Land Defence – If we go by the rankings, China (2,333,000) has the largest active military followed by US (1,492,000). In terms of tanks, China once again leads the US, although by a very small margin. China has 9150 active tanks while the US has 8800. In terms of armored vehicles, the US has 41000 while China has a poultry 5000. Both countries stand even-steven in term of self-propelled guns, and multiple-launch rocket systems. But China has a significant edge in terms of towed artilleries.
Navy – China has 673 vessels which are presumably 200 more than the US. But China has only one active aircraft carrier but the US has 20 at its disposal. In terms of submarines, US leads China by a small margin.
Nuclear Warheads – As far as nuclear weapons are concerned, US arguably have the largest nuclear warheads which amount to almost 5000 while China only has 250.
To sum up, it can be said that all though China is fast developing in all spheres, she will still take a lot of going to match the United States of America.
