China Military Spending/Defense Budget 1989-2021
Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country).
- China military spending/defense budget for 2019 was $261.08B, a 2.99% increase from 2018.
- China military spending/defense budget for 2018 was $253.49B, a 10.95% increase from 2017.
- China military spending/defense budget for 2017 was $228.47B, a 5.57% increase from 2016.
- China military spending/defense budget for 2016 was $216.40B, a 0.9% increase from 2015.
| China Military Spending/Defense Budget - Historical Data |
| Year |
Billions of US $ |
% of GDP |
| 2019 |
$261.08B |
1.89% |
| 2018 |
$253.49B |
1.90% |
| 2017 |
$228.47B |
1.90% |
| 2016 |
$216.40B |
1.93% |
| 2015 |
$214.47B |
1.91% |
| 2014 |
$200.77B |
1.91% |
| 2013 |
$179.88B |
1.87% |
| 2012 |
$157.39B |
1.84% |
| 2011 |
$137.97B |
1.83% |
| 2010 |
$115.71B |
1.91% |
| 2009 |
$105.64B |
2.06% |
| 2008 |
$86.36B |
1.88% |
| 2007 |
$68.01B |
1.90% |
| 2006 |
$55.34B |
1.99% |
| 2005 |
$45.92B |
1.99% |
| 2004 |
$40.35B |
2.05% |
| 2003 |
$35.13B |
2.10% |
| 2002 |
$32.14B |
2.18% |
| 2001 |
$27.88B |
2.07% |
| 2000 |
$22.93B |
1.89% |
| 1999 |
$21.03B |
1.92% |
| 1998 |
$17.53B |
1.70% |
| 1997 |
$16.10B |
1.67% |
| 1996 |
$14.56B |
1.69% |
| 1995 |
$12.61B |
1.72% |
| 1994 |
$10.05B |
1.73% |
| 1993 |
$12.58B |
1.96% |
| 1992 |
$12.42B |
2.48% |
| 1991 |
$9.95B |
2.35% |
| 1990 |
$10.09B |
2.49% |
| 1989 |
$11.40B |
2.48% |
