China is the world's second-largest economy with $17.9 trillion GDP and manufacturing dominance, while other developing economies collectively represent $13.2 trillion in combined GDP but lack China's industrial scale and technological integration. China has transitioned toward upper-middle-income status with advanced manufacturing, whereas most other developing nations remain in lower-middle-income brackets dependent on commodity exports.
China vs Other Developing Economies — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Upper-middle-income country with world's 2nd-largest economy and dominant manufacturing base.
Diverse group including India, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Turkey, Argentina with combined $13.2 trillion GDP.
GDP (2024). Manufacturing Output Share. Patent Filings (2023). R&D Spending % of GDP. Semiconductor Production. Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2023). Income Per Capita (PPP)
China dominates in manufacturing scale, technological innovation, R&D capacity, and per-capita income, having achieved upper-middle-income status with integrated supply chains. Other developing economies offer faster growth rates, younger demographics, lower labor costs, and diversified opportunities in services and commodities, making them attractive for different investment strategies. Choose China for established manufacturing, technology, and export markets; choose other developing economies for growth potential, demographic dividends, and emerging consumer markets.
China: $17.7 Trillion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $292 Billion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $33-34 trillion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 4.6-4.8% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $~12,000-13,000 | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 35% of global output | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: Limited by export controls | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 80%+ | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $400-800 billion potential loss | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $20.6 trillion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 70% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 94% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: -0.5 to -2.0% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 0.2-0.3% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
China: -0.5 to -2% ($400-800B reduction) | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $17.9 trillion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 2,300 thousand | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 5,800 | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $3.2 trillion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: One-party communist state | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 88 (not free) | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 40% (global EV sales) | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $13,738 | Other Developing Economies: N/A
Government Education Expenditure Per Capita
China: $467 (2023) | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $6,177.1 billion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $296.5 billion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $1,272.4 billion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 1.4 billion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $17.9 | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 1.42 billion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: €296.5 billion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: €467 | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $620,062.8M | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 1.03% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 1,425 million | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 78.2 years | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 0.796 (Very High) | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 1,574,822 | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 77% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 28% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $163 billion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 2nd | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: -0.1% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 4.3% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $23,800 | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 45,000 km | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 1,576 GW | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 1.57 million | Other Developing Economies: 0.34 million combined
China: 28-30% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 39 years | Other Developing Economies: 28 years average
China: 65.5% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $163.1 billion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 282% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $12,700 | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: #2 globally | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $850 billion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 12% (design & manufacturing) | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $163 billion (2024) | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $43.5T | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: #2 | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: #1 | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 4.4% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 5.0% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 4.7% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 3.7% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 24.4% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: ~$25.5T | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $14,800 | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $30,900 | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: ~55% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: ~38% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: ~7% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: World's factory (services rising) | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: Largest — ~29% of global value-added | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: ~18% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: ~22% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 78.5 years | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 2.1% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 124 companies | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 926 million | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 5.0% | Other Developing Economies: 6.8% average
Years to Double GDP at Current Growth Rate
China: 14.6 years | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 4.5% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 5.1% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 27% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $1,830 billion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 305 | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $33.8 trillion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $4.7 trillion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 55% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 16% (nominal) | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $13.5 trillion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $35.2 trillion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 4.8% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 8.2% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2025)
China: $192 billion | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: 74% | Other Developing Economies: N/A
China: $17.9 trillion | Other Developing Economies: $13.2 trillion combined
China: $23,500 | Other Developing Economies: $6,200 average
China: 28% | Other Developing Economies: 12% combined
China: 2.6% | Other Developing Economies: 0.8% average
China: 73% | Other Developing Economies: 35% average
How to choose between China and Other Developing Economies
Compare China vs Other Developing Economies
China vs Other Developing Economies — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for China vs Other Developing Economies. Contains 115 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
China vs Other Developing Economies — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for China vs Other Developing Economies.
Why is China's economy larger despite having lower growth rates than other developing economies?
China achieved rapid development from 1980-2010, building a $17.9 trillion economic base. While current growth rates (5%) are lower than emerging markets like India (7.2%), China's massive base means it adds $900 billion annually—more than many entire developing economies. China is now transitioning from rapid expansion to mature, stable growth typical of upper-middle-income countries.
Which developing economies offer better investment returns?
India and Vietnam offer the highest growth potential (7.2% and 6.5% annually) with younger populations (median ages 28 and 32). Brazil and Mexico provide stable, diversified economies with established institutions. However, China offers the largest market access (1.4 billion consumers) and most developed supply chains. Choice depends on risk tolerance: higher growth rates in emerging markets vs. stability in China.
Is manufacturing shifting away from China to other developing economies?
Partially. China still dominates (28% of global output), but companies are diversifying: Vietnam received 15% growth in manufacturing FDI (2023), Mexico captured nearshoring from North America, and India is growing semiconductor capacity. However, China remains the central hub due to integrated supply chains and infrastructure. This represents diversification, not replacement.
Why does China spend more on R&D than other developing economies combined?
China's 2.6% of GDP R&D spending ($465 billion annually) reflects its position as an upper-middle-income country with technological ambitions in semiconductors, AI, and green energy. Other developing economies average 0.8% due to lower overall GDP and competing budget priorities (infrastructure, healthcare). As India and Brazil grow wealthier, their R&D spending is increasing proportionally.
Which region offers the best demographics for long-term growth?
Other developing economies collectively have superior demographics: average median age of 28 vs. China's 39, with India and Nigeria projected to add 600+ million working-age people by 2050. This creates a demographic dividend for labor-intensive industries and consumer markets. China faces the opposite—an aging workforce requiring automation and healthcare investment—making it better for high-tech, capital-intensive sectors.
How to Choose Between China and Other Developing Economies
GDP (2024): China has $17.9 trillion, while Other Developing Economies has $13.2 trillion (combined: India, Brazil, Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria, Vietnam, Turkey, Argentina).
Manufacturing Output Share: China has 28% of global manufacturing, while Other Developing Economies has 12% of global manufacturing (combined).
Patent Filings (2023): China has 1.57 million patents, while Other Developing Economies has 0.34 million patents (combined top developing economies).
R&D Spending % of GDP: China has 2.6% of GDP, while Other Developing Economies has 0.8% average for other developing economies.
Semiconductor Production: China has 15% of global capacity (world's 3rd largest), while Other Developing Economies has <1% combined across other developing economies.
Consider: Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2023)
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2023): China has $189 billion, while Other Developing Economies has $287 billion (combined: India $71B, Brazil $63B, Mexico $36B, Vietnam $21B, others).
Income Per Capita (PPP): China has $23,500, while Other Developing Economies has $6,200 average for other developing economies.