China vs Japan
type: Article
description: China is the world's second-largest economy with 1.4 billion people and dominance in manufacturing and technology exports, while Japan is a developed nation with 125 million people, advanced robotics, and the world's third-largest economy by nominal GDP. China emphasizes rapid growth and scale; Japan prioritizes quality, innovation, and efficiency.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-07-07T08:14:48.112Z
date created: 2026-07-07T08:14:48.112Z
date modified: 2026-07-07T08:14:48.158Z
content reference time: 2026-07-07T08:14:48.158Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: People's Republic of China
about: Japan
abstract: China is the world's second-largest economy with 1.4 billion people and dominance in manufacturing and technology exports, while Japan is a developed nation with 125 million people, advanced robotics, and the world's third-largest economy by nominal GDP. China emphasizes rapid growth and scale; Japan prioritizes quality, innovation, and efficiency.
text: Population. GDP (Nominal 2024). GDP Per Capita (2024). Manufacturing Output Share (Global). Life Expectancy. R&D Spending (% of GDP). Semiconductor Export Dominance (2024)
conclusion text: Choose China if you're seeking a manufacturing powerhouse with massive scale, rapid infrastructure development, and cost-effective production capabilities; it dominates global trade volume and emerging technology sectors. Choose Japan if you prioritize advanced robotics, precision engineering, healthcare innovation, and higher living standards with exceptional work-life quality and technological refinement.
additional property: Nominal GDP 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $17.9 trillion | Japan: N/A
additional property: GDP by Purchasing Power Parity 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $35.0+ trillion | Japan: N/A
additional property: GDP Growth Rate 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 4.7% | Japan: N/A
additional property: Global GDP Share (Nominal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 14.77% | Japan: N/A
additional property: Per Capita Income Multiplier (Nominal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 1.0x (baseline) | Japan: N/A
additional property: EV Production Market Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 70% | Japan: N/A
additional property: Global Manufacturing Output
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 35% | Japan: N/A
additional property: Combined Global Economic Share (Nominal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 42.46% (combined US-China) | Japan: N/A
additional property: Per Capita GDP (Nominal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $14,100 | Japan: N/A
additional property: Global GDP Market Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 15.2% | Japan: N/A
additional property: Electric Vehicle Production Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 70% | Japan: N/A
additional property: Solar Panel Production Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 80%+ | Japan: N/A
additional property: Education Spending Per Capita
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: €467 | Japan: €1,047
  value reference: Japan
additional property: Global EV Production Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 70% | Japan: N/A
additional property: Lithium Battery Production Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 94% | Japan: N/A
additional property: PPP-Adjusted GDP 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $45.78 trillion | Japan: N/A
additional property: GDP Per Capita Nominal
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $15,000 | Japan: N/A
additional property: Projected GDP Growth Rate 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 4.5-4.8% | Japan: N/A
additional property: Global Manufacturing Output Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 35% | Japan: 7%
  value reference: People's Republic of China
additional property: Lithium-Ion Battery Production
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 94% | Japan: N/A
additional property: Total GDP (Nominal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $17.9 trillion | Japan: $4.2 trillion
  value reference: People's Republic of China
additional property: Annual GDP Growth Rate (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 4.6–4.8% | Japan: N/A
additional property: Global Solar Panel Manufacturing
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 80%+ | Japan: N/A
additional property: Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 94% | Japan: N/A
additional property: Forecast Unemployment Rate (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: ~4.0% (estimated) | Japan: N/A
additional property: GDP (Nominal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $17.9 trillion | Japan: N/A
additional property: GDP Growth Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 4.8% | Japan: N/A
additional property: Median Age
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 38.4 years | Japan: 49.0 years
  value reference: People's Republic of China
additional property: Defense Expenditure
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $313.7 billion | Japan: N/A
additional property: Education Expenditure Per Capita
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: €469 | Japan: N/A
additional property: JPMorgan Growth Leadership Outlook (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: Secondary | Japan: N/A
additional property: Nominal GDP (Current)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $18.74T | Japan: N/A
additional property: Annual GDP Growth Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 5.0-5.3% | Japan: 2.5%
  value reference: People's Republic of China
additional property: Government Expenditure
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $6,240,157.8M | Japan: N/A
additional property: Government Expenditure as % of GDP
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 32.94% | Japan: N/A
additional property: Defence Expenditure
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: €299,621.7M | Japan: N/A
additional property: Government Health Expenditure
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $620,062.8M | Japan: $383,823M
  value reference: People's Republic of China
additional property: Debt Per Capita
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: €11,242 | Japan: N/A
additional property: Nominal GDP
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $17.9 trillion | Japan: $4.2 trillion
  value reference: People's Republic of China
additional property: Per Capita GDP
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $12,556 | Japan: N/A
additional property: Global Manufacturing Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 28-30% | Japan: 3-4%
  value reference: People's Republic of China
additional property: Annual Exports (2024)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $7.8T | Japan: $750 billion
  value reference: Japan
additional property: Military Spending
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $296 billion | Japan: ~$45 billion
  value reference: Japan
additional property: R&D Spending as % of GDP
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 2.1% | Japan: N/A
additional property: High-Speed Rail Network
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 48,000 km | Japan: N/A
additional property: Patent Filings (2023)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 1,500,000 | Japan: N/A
additional property: Top 50 Global Universities
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: 8 universities | Japan: N/A
additional property: Foreign Direct Investment Inflow
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $189 billion (2023) | Japan: N/A
additional property: Total Gross Domestic Product
  type: PropertyValue
  value: People's Republic of China: $17.9 trillion | Japan: N/A
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/people-s-republic-of-china
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/people-s-republic-of-china
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/japan
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/japan
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/china-vs-japan)
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/china-vs-japan)
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/china-vs-india
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/china-vs-united-states-gdp-comparison-2026
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/south-korea-vs-japan
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/usa-vs-china-gdp-comparison-2026
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/japan-vs-china-economic-comparison-2026
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/china-vs-india-gdp
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/japan-vs-china
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/china-vs-japan-gdp
teaches: How to choose between People's Republic of China and Japan
genre: Countries

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: China vs Japan — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

People's Republic of China
type: Country
alternate name: PROC
alternate name: People S Republic Of China
language: en-US
description: World's second-largest economy with 1.4 billion people, dominant in manufacturing and exports.
subject of: China vs Japan

Japan
type: Country
language: en-US
description: Advanced developed economy with 125 million people, leader in robotics, precision manufacturing, and quality.
image: ImageObject
  caption: Japan
subject of: China vs Japan
image: ImageObject
  caption: Japan

China vs Japan — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for China vs Japan. Contains 130 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Nominal GDP 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Economic Size
variable measured: GDP by Purchasing Power Parity 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Economic Output
variable measured: GDP Growth Rate 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Growth Metrics
variable measured: Global GDP Share (Nominal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Global Influence
variable measured: Per Capita Income Multiplier (Nominal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Living Standards
variable measured: EV Production Market Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Manufacturing
variable measured: Global Manufacturing Output
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Industrial Scale
variable measured: Combined Global Economic Share (Nominal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Market Dominance
variable measured: Per Capita GDP (Nominal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Wealth Distribution
variable measured: Global GDP Market Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Global Position
variable measured: Electric Vehicle Production Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Clean Energy Leadership
variable measured: Solar Panel Production Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Green Energy
variable measured: Education Spending Per Capita
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Human Capital Investment
variable measured: Global EV Production Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Manufacturing Leadership
variable measured: Lithium Battery Production Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Energy Technology
variable measured: PPP-Adjusted GDP 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Economic Size
variable measured: GDP Per Capita Nominal
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Living Standards
variable measured: Projected GDP Growth Rate 2026
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Economic Growth
variable measured: Global Manufacturing Output Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Production
variable measured: Lithium-Ion Battery Production
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Technology Leadership
variable measured: Total GDP (Nominal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Economic Size
variable measured: Annual GDP Growth Rate (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Economic Growth
variable measured: Global Solar Panel Manufacturing
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Renewable Energy
variable measured: Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Energy Storage
variable measured: Forecast Unemployment Rate (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Labor Market
variable measured: GDP (Nominal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Economy
variable measured: GDP Growth Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Growth
variable measured: Median Age
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Demographics
variable measured: Defense Expenditure
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Military Spending
variable measured: Education Expenditure Per Capita
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Human Capital Investment
variable measured: JPMorgan Growth Leadership Outlook (2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Investment
variable measured: Nominal GDP (Current)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Economic Size
variable measured: Annual GDP Growth Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Growth
variable measured: Government Expenditure
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Government Spending
variable measured: Government Expenditure as % of GDP
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Government Size
variable measured: Defence Expenditure
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Military Spending
variable measured: Government Health Expenditure
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Health Spending
variable measured: Debt Per Capita
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Government Debt
variable measured: Nominal GDP
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Economic Size
variable measured: Per Capita GDP
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Wealth Distribution
variable measured: Global Manufacturing Share
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Industrial Capacity
variable measured: Annual Exports (2024)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Trade
variable measured: Military Spending
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Defense
variable measured: R&D Spending as % of GDP
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Innovation
variable measured: High-Speed Rail Network
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Infrastructure
variable measured: Patent Filings (2023)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Innovation
variable measured: Top 50 Global Universities
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Education & Research
variable measured: Foreign Direct Investment Inflow
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Investment Climate
variable measured: Total Gross Domestic Product
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Economic Size
variable measured: Life Expectancy
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Health
variable measured: Annual Patent Filings
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Innovation
variable measured: Renewable Energy Capacity
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Energy
variable measured: Physicians per 1,000 People
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Health
variable measured: GDP Per Capita
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Living Standards
variable measured: Military Expenditure (Annual)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Military
variable measured: Patent Filings (Annual)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Innovation
variable measured: Gross Domestic Product
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Economic Size
variable measured: Gross Domestic Product (Nominal)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Economy
variable measured: Population
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Demographics
variable measured: Share of Global Manufacturing
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Industry
variable measured: High-Speed Rail Network Length
variable measured: Global AI Research Funding Share
variable measured: Military Expenditure
variable measured: Annual CO2 Emissions
variable measured: Manufacturing Output
variable measured: Internet Users
variable measured: Expected Global GDP Ranking by 2030
variable measured: Projected 2026 Nominal GDP
variable measured: Average Annual GDP Growth Rate (2024-2026)
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/china-vs-japan)

China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for China vs Japan.
has defined term: Economic Size
has defined term: Economic Output
has defined term: Growth Metrics
has defined term: Global Influence
has defined term: Living Standards
has defined term: Manufacturing
has defined term: Industrial Scale
has defined term: Market Dominance
has defined term: Wealth Distribution
has defined term: Global Position
has defined term: Clean Energy Leadership
has defined term: Green Energy
has defined term: Human Capital Investment
has defined term: Manufacturing Leadership
has defined term: Energy Technology
has defined term: Economic Growth
has defined term: Production
has defined term: Technology Leadership
has defined term: Renewable Energy
has defined term: Energy Storage
has defined term: Labor Market
has defined term: Economy
has defined term: Growth
has defined term: Demographics
has defined term: Military Spending
has defined term: Investment
has defined term: Government Spending
has defined term: Government Size
has defined term: Health Spending
has defined term: Government Debt
has defined term: Industrial Capacity
has defined term: Trade
has defined term: Defense
has defined term: Innovation
has defined term: Infrastructure
has defined term: Education & Research
has defined term: Investment Climate
has defined term: Health
has defined term: Energy
has defined term: Military
has defined term: Industry
has defined term: Technology
has defined term: Environment
has defined term: Economic Structure
has defined term: Future Position
has defined term: Development
has defined term: Production Capacity
has defined term: Economic Scale
has defined term: Financial Strength
has defined term: Growth Momentum
has defined term: Capital Attraction
has defined term: Financial Dominance
has defined term: Fiscal Health
has defined term: Social
has defined term: Military Strength
has defined term: Energy Security Risk
has defined term: Technology & Innovation
has defined term: Immigration
has defined term: Employment
has defined term: Telecommunications
has defined term: Education
has defined term: Safety
has defined term: Tourism
has defined term: Economic Expansion

Economic Size
type: DefinedTerm
term code: economic-size
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Economic Output
type: DefinedTerm
term code: economic-output
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Growth Metrics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: growth-metrics
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Global Influence
type: DefinedTerm
term code: global-influence
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Living Standards
type: DefinedTerm
term code: living-standards
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Manufacturing
type: DefinedTerm
term code: manufacturing
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Industrial Scale
type: DefinedTerm
term code: industrial-scale
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Market Dominance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: market-dominance
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Wealth Distribution
type: DefinedTerm
term code: wealth-distribution
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Global Position
type: DefinedTerm
term code: global-position
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Clean Energy Leadership
type: DefinedTerm
term code: clean-energy-leadership
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Green Energy
type: DefinedTerm
term code: green-energy
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Human Capital Investment
type: DefinedTerm
term code: human-capital-investment
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Manufacturing Leadership
type: DefinedTerm
term code: manufacturing-leadership
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Energy Technology
type: DefinedTerm
term code: energy-technology
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Economic Growth
type: DefinedTerm
term code: economic-growth
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Production
type: DefinedTerm
term code: production
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technology Leadership
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technology-leadership
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Renewable Energy
type: DefinedTerm
term code: renewable-energy
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Energy Storage
type: DefinedTerm
term code: energy-storage
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Labor Market
type: DefinedTerm
term code: labor-market
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Economy
type: DefinedTerm
term code: economy
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Growth
type: DefinedTerm
term code: growth
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Demographics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: demographics
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Military Spending
type: DefinedTerm
term code: military-spending
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Investment
type: DefinedTerm
term code: investment
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Government Spending
type: DefinedTerm
term code: government-spending
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Government Size
type: DefinedTerm
term code: government-size
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Health Spending
type: DefinedTerm
term code: health-spending
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Government Debt
type: DefinedTerm
term code: government-debt
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Industrial Capacity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: industrial-capacity
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Trade
type: DefinedTerm
term code: trade
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Defense
type: DefinedTerm
term code: defense
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Innovation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: innovation
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Infrastructure
type: DefinedTerm
term code: infrastructure
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Education & Research
type: DefinedTerm
term code: education-&-research
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Investment Climate
type: DefinedTerm
term code: investment-climate
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Health
type: DefinedTerm
term code: health
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Energy
type: DefinedTerm
term code: energy
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Military
type: DefinedTerm
term code: military
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Industry
type: DefinedTerm
term code: industry
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technology
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technology
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Environment
type: DefinedTerm
term code: environment
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Economic Structure
type: DefinedTerm
term code: economic-structure
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Future Position
type: DefinedTerm
term code: future-position
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Development
type: DefinedTerm
term code: development
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Production Capacity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: production-capacity
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Economic Scale
type: DefinedTerm
term code: economic-scale
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial Strength
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial-strength
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Growth Momentum
type: DefinedTerm
term code: growth-momentum
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Capital Attraction
type: DefinedTerm
term code: capital-attraction
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Financial Dominance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: financial-dominance
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Fiscal Health
type: DefinedTerm
term code: fiscal-health
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Social
type: DefinedTerm
term code: social
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Military Strength
type: DefinedTerm
term code: military-strength
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Energy Security Risk
type: DefinedTerm
term code: energy-security-risk
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Technology & Innovation
type: DefinedTerm
term code: technology-&-innovation
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Immigration
type: DefinedTerm
term code: immigration
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Employment
type: DefinedTerm
term code: employment
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Telecommunications
type: DefinedTerm
term code: telecommunications
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Education
type: DefinedTerm
term code: education
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Safety
type: DefinedTerm
term code: safety
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Tourism
type: DefinedTerm
term code: tourism
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Economic Expansion
type: DefinedTerm
term code: economic-expansion
in defined term set: China vs Japan — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-07T08:14:48.158Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: china-vs-japan)
main entity: Which country has the larger economy?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: China has the larger nominal GDP at $17.9 trillion USD versus Japan's $4.2 trillion (2024 estimates). However, Japan has a much higher GDP per capita at $33,809 USD compared to China's $12,556 USD, reflecting Japan's advanced development status and higher average living standards.
    language: en-US
main entity: Why is Japan's life expectancy so much higher than China's?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Japan's 84.3-year life expectancy (world's highest) results from universal healthcare, low smoking rates, traditional diet rich in fish and vegetables, and excellent preventive medicine. China's 77.9-year life expectancy reflects ongoing healthcare infrastructure development, higher pollution levels in urban areas, and less universal coverage in rural regions.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which country leads in manufacturing and exports?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: China dominates global manufacturing with 28-30% of world output and controls 97% of rare earth element processing. China produces 60% of the world's electric vehicles and leads in semiconductor exports (23% global share). Japan specializes in precision manufacturing and robotics but represents only 3-4% of global manufacturing output.
    language: en-US
main entity: How do the countries compare for foreign investment?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: China received $163 billion USD in foreign direct investment (2023), making it the world's top FDI recipient, though this represents a 8% decrease year-over-year. Japan received $28 billion USD in FDI (2023) but maintains more stable, long-term foreign investment patterns with higher investor confidence ratings.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which country invests more in research and development?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Japan invests 3.6% of its GDP in R&D versus China's 2.6%, translating to approximately $150 billion USD for Japan and $280 billion USD for China in absolute terms. Despite lower percentage spending, China's R&D investment is growing at 10% annually, while Japan's remains relatively flat.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between People's Republic of China and Japan
type: HowTo
description: China is the world's second-largest economy with 1.4 billion people and dominance in manufacturing and technology exports, while Japan is a developed nation with 125 million people, advanced robotics, and the world's third-largest economy by nominal GDP. China emphasizes rapid growth and scale; Japan prioritizes quality, innovation, and efficiency.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Population
step: Consider: GDP (Nominal 2024)
step: Consider: GDP Per Capita (2024)
step: Consider: Manufacturing Output Share (Global)
step: Consider: Life Expectancy
step: Consider: R&D Spending (% of GDP)
step: Consider: Semiconductor Export Dominance (2024)
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: Choose China if you're seeking a manufacturing powerhouse with massive scale, rapid infrastructure development, and cost-effective production capabilities; it dominates global trade volume and emerging technology sectors. Choose Japan if you prioritize advanced robotics, precision engineering, healthcare innovation, and higher living standards with exceptional work-life quality and technological refinement.

Consider: Population
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Population: People's Republic of China has 1.426 billion, while Japan has 125 million.

Consider: GDP (Nominal 2024)
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: GDP (Nominal 2024): People's Republic of China has $17.9 trillion USD, while Japan has $4.2 trillion USD.

Consider: GDP Per Capita (2024)
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: GDP Per Capita (2024): People's Republic of China has $12,556 USD, while Japan has $33,809 USD.

Consider: Manufacturing Output Share (Global)
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: Manufacturing Output Share (Global): People's Republic of China has 28-30% of world manufacturing, while Japan has 3-4% of world manufacturing.

Consider: Life Expectancy
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Life Expectancy: People's Republic of China has 77.9 years, while Japan has 84.3 years.

Consider: R&D Spending (% of GDP)
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: R&D Spending (% of GDP): People's Republic of China has 2.6%, while Japan has 3.6%.

Consider: Semiconductor Export Dominance (2024)
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Semiconductor Export Dominance (2024): People's Republic of China has 23% of global semiconductor exports, while Japan has 8% of global semiconductor exports.

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: China vs Japan
review body: China is the world's second-largest economy with 1.4 billion people and dominance in manufacturing and technology exports, while Japan is a developed nation with 125 million people, advanced robotics, and the world's third-largest economy by nominal GDP. China emphasizes rapid growth and scale; Japan prioritizes quality, innovation, and efficiency.
review rating: Rating
  rating: 5
  worst rating: 1
  best rating: 5
  alternate name: Verified Comparison
author: A Versus B
item reviewed: China vs Japan

Life Expectancy
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 77.9 years | Japan: 84.3 years
value reference: Japan

Annual Patent Filings
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 1,500 thousand | Japan: 289 thousand
value reference: People's Republic of China

Renewable Energy Capacity
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 1,854 GW | Japan: N/A

Physicians per 1,000 People
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 2.1 physicians | Japan: N/A

GDP Per Capita
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: $12,556 | Japan: $33,809
value reference: Japan

Military Expenditure (Annual)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: $292 billion | Japan: N/A

Patent Filings (Annual)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 1,200 | Japan: N/A

Gross Domestic Product
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: $17.8 trillion | Japan: N/A

Gross Domestic Product (Nominal)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: $17.9 trillion | Japan: $4.2 trillion
value reference: People's Republic of China

Population
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 1.426 billion | Japan: 125 million

Share of Global Manufacturing
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 28% | Japan: N/A

High-Speed Rail Network Length
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 45,000 km | Japan: N/A

Global AI Research Funding Share
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 22% | Japan: N/A

Military Expenditure
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: $296 billion | Japan: N/A

Annual CO2 Emissions
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 12.1 billion | Japan: N/A

Manufacturing Output
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 28% | Japan: 19%

Internet Users
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 1,050 million | Japan: N/A

Expected Global GDP Ranking by 2030
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 2nd | Japan: N/A

Projected 2026 Nominal GDP
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: $23.8T | Japan: N/A

Average Annual GDP Growth Rate (2024-2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 4.75% | Japan: N/A

GDP per Capita 2026
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: $17,000 | Japan: N/A

Working Age Population (15-64)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 920M | Japan: N/A

Tech Sector Dominance
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 5G, renewables, EVs | Japan: N/A

Urbanization Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 63% | Japan: N/A

Total GDP
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: $17.9 trillion | Japan: N/A

Patent Applications (2023)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 1,570,000 | Japan: N/A

Share of Global Trade
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 12.3% | Japan: N/A

Manufacturing Output Share
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 28% of global | Japan: N/A

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: $17.8 trillion | Japan: N/A

Foreign Exchange Reserves
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: $3.27 trillion | Japan: $1.3 trillion
value reference: People's Republic of China

Patent Applications Filed Annually
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 1,700,000 | Japan: N/A

Annualized GDP Growth Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 4.2% | Japan: N/A

Share of Global GDP
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 16.4% | Japan: N/A

Foreign Direct Investment Inflows
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: $163 billion | Japan: N/A

Global Currency Reserve Share
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 2.7% | Japan: N/A

Federal/National Debt-to-GDP Ratio
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 77% | Japan: N/A

Military Expenditure (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: $296B | Japan: $47 billion

Internet Penetration Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 76% | Japan: N/A

Nominal GDP (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: $17.8T | Japan: N/A

Total Population
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 1,430M | Japan: 125 million

Human Development Index
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 0.796 | Japan: 0.920 (Very High)
value reference: Japan

Life Expectancy at Birth
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 78.2 | Japan: 84.7 years
value reference: Japan

R&D Spending
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 2.6% | Japan: 3.6%
value reference: Japan

Industrial Robot Density
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 392 robots per 10k workers | Japan: 515 robots per 10k workers
value reference: Japan

EV Production (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: 60% | Japan: 9%
value reference: People's Republic of China

GDP
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: $4.2 Trillion

Total GDP (Nominal 2026)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: $4.2

Defence Expenditure 2024
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: €50.9 billion

Oil Import Cost Impact at $126 Brent
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 1.14%

Global EV Production Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: ~15%

Cost of Living Index
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 47.5

Non-Tourist Visa Pathways
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 6 pathways

GDP Purchasing Power Ranking
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: Rank 14

Land Military Power Ranking
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: Lower ranking

Population Over 65 Years
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 28.8%

Tech Sector Salary Premium
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: Baseline (0%)

Patent Filings Per Year
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 281,113

Government Debt-to-GDP Ratio
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 264%

Manufacturing as % of GDP
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 20.1%

Foreign Direct Investment Inflow (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: $28 billion

Global GDP Ranking
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 3rd

Population Growth Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: -0.5%

Average Broadband Speed
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 25.6 Mbps

5G Network Coverage
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 96.3%

Annual Vehicle Production
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 11.4 million

OLED Display Global Market Share (Leading Company)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: Samsung 49%

Per Capita GDP (PPP)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: $47,825

Patent Applications Filed (2023)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 286 thousand

Manufacturing Share of GDP
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 20.1%

Literacy Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 99.0%

Aging Population (65+)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 29.1%

Gross Domestic Product (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: $4.2 trillion

Homicide Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 0.3

Healthcare Cost per Capita
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: $4,849

Public Transit Ridership
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 9.8 billion

Annual International Visitor Arrivals
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 17.9 million

GDP (nominal, 2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: $4.23 trillion

Unemployment Rate (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 2.5%

Automotive Production (annual)
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 9.2 million

Real GDP Growth Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 1.2%

Unemployment Rate
type: PropertyValue
value: People's Republic of China: N/A | Japan: 2.5%

SpeakableSpecification
css selector: #short-answer
css selector: #verdict
css selector: #key-differences
css selector: #faq
xpath: //*[@id='short-answer']
xpath: //*[@id='verdict']

People's Republic of China — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Japan — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare People's Republic of China vs Japan
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/china-vs-japan)
object: People's Republic of China
object: Japan

High-Speed Rail Network Length
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Infrastructure

Global AI Research Funding Share
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technology

Military Expenditure
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Military

Annual CO2 Emissions
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Environment

Manufacturing Output
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economic Structure

Internet Users
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technology

Expected Global GDP Ranking by 2030
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Future Position

Projected 2026 Nominal GDP
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economic Size

Average Annual GDP Growth Rate (2024-2026)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economic Growth

GDP per Capita 2026
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Living Standards

Working Age Population (15-64)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Demographics

Tech Sector Dominance
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technology

Urbanization Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Development

Total GDP
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economic Size

Patent Applications (2023)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Innovation

Share of Global Trade
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Trade

Manufacturing Output Share
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Production Capacity

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economic Scale

Foreign Exchange Reserves
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial Strength

Patent Applications Filed Annually
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Innovation

Annualized GDP Growth Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Growth Momentum

Share of Global GDP
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Global Influence

Foreign Direct Investment Inflows
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Capital Attraction

Global Currency Reserve Share
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Financial Dominance

Federal/National Debt-to-GDP Ratio
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fiscal Health

Military Expenditure (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Military

Internet Penetration Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Infrastructure

Nominal GDP (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economy

Total Population
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Demographics

Human Development Index
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Social

Life Expectancy at Birth
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Health

R&D Spending
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Innovation

Industrial Robot Density
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technology

EV Production (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Industry

GDP
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economy

Total GDP (Nominal 2026)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economic Scale

Defence Expenditure 2024
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Military Strength

Oil Import Cost Impact at $126 Brent
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Energy Security Risk

Global EV Production Market Share
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technology & Innovation

Cost of Living Index
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economy

Non-Tourist Visa Pathways
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Immigration

GDP Purchasing Power Ranking
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economy

Land Military Power Ranking
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Military

Population Over 65 Years
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Demographics

Tech Sector Salary Premium
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Employment

Patent Filings Per Year
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Innovation

Government Debt-to-GDP Ratio
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Fiscal Health

Manufacturing as % of GDP
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economic Structure

Foreign Direct Investment Inflow (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Investment

Global GDP Ranking
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economic Scale

Population Growth Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Demographics

Average Broadband Speed
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Infrastructure

5G Network Coverage
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Telecommunications

Annual Vehicle Production
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Manufacturing

OLED Display Global Market Share (Leading Company)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Technology

Per Capita GDP (PPP)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Living Standards

Patent Applications Filed (2023)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Innovation

Manufacturing Share of GDP
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economic Structure

Literacy Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Education

Aging Population (65+)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Demographics

Gross Domestic Product (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economic Size

Homicide Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Safety

Healthcare Cost per Capita
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Health

Public Transit Ridership
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Infrastructure

Annual International Visitor Arrivals
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Tourism

GDP (nominal, 2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economy

Unemployment Rate (2024)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Labor Market

Automotive Production (annual)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Manufacturing

Real GDP Growth Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Economic Expansion

Unemployment Rate
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Labor Market