China's GDP of $17.9 trillion (2024) vastly exceeds Japan's $4.2 trillion, making China the world's second-largest economy while Japan ranks fourth. China's economy is 4.3x larger despite having 10x Japan's population, reflecting different development stages and economic structures.
China vs Japan GDP — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
World's second-largest economy by nominal GDP, driven by manufacturing and exports.
World's fourth-largest economy by nominal GDP, focused on advanced technology and services.
Total GDP (2024). GDP Per Capita. Global GDP Ranking. Annual GDP Growth Rate (2023-2024). Manufacturing Output Share. Primary Economic Driver. Foreign Exchange Reserves
China dominates in absolute GDP size, ranking second globally with an economy 4.3x larger than Japan's, driven by manufacturing, exports, and rapid industrialization. Choose China for understanding the world's largest developing economy and manufacturing powerhouse; choose Japan for analyzing a mature, high-income economy with advanced technology, robotics, and service sectors. Japan's higher per-capita GDP ($31,950 vs $12,720) reflects its developed-nation status and wealth distribution, while China's rapid 5.2% growth rate suggests continued economic expansion.
China: $17.7 Trillion | Japan: $4.2 Trillion
China: 35% of global output | Japan: N/A
China: Limited by export controls | Japan: N/A
China: $400-800 billion potential loss | Japan: N/A
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
China: -0.5 to -2% ($400-800B reduction) | Japan: N/A
China: $3.2 trillion | Japan: $1.2 trillion
China: One-party communist state | Japan: N/A
China: 40% (global EV sales) | Japan: N/A
Government Education Expenditure Per Capita
China: 1.42 billion | Japan: 125 million
China: €296.5 billion | Japan: €50.9 billion
China: 1.44 billion | Japan: 123 million
China: 0.796 (Very High) | Japan: 0.920 (Very High)
China: $17.9 trillion | Japan: $4.2 trillion
China: $163 billion | Japan: $28 billion
China: 635,000 patents | Japan: 289 thousand
China: 12% (design & manufacturing) | Japan: N/A
China: World's factory (services rising) | Japan: N/A
China: Largest — ~29% of global value-added | Japan: N/A
Years to Double GDP at Current Growth Rate
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2025)
China: 1.2 million base stations | Japan: N/A
Annual GDP Per Capita Growth (2020-2026)
China: $163 billion | Japan: $47 billion
OLED Display Global Market Share (Leading Company)
China: N/A | Japan: 515 robots per 10k workers
China vs Japan GDP — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for China vs Japan GDP. Contains 180 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
China vs Japan GDP — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for China vs Japan GDP.
Why is China's GDP so much larger than Japan's despite similar development levels?
China's GDP is 4.3x larger primarily due to its 11.7x larger population (1.44 billion vs 123 million). However, Japan's per-capita GDP ($31,950) is 2.5x higher, reflecting Japan's status as a high-income developed nation versus China's upper-middle-income status. China's economy benefits from massive scale and rapid industrialization, while Japan's wealth is more concentrated and mature.
How do the economic structures of China and Japan differ?
China's economy is heavily dependent on manufacturing (28% of global output) and exports, with major sectors including textiles, electronics, and automobiles. Japan's economy emphasizes advanced services (finance, insurance), high-tech manufacturing (semiconductors, robotics), and automotive innovation. Japan generates 72% of GDP from services, while China derives 54% from services and 36% from industry.
Which economy is growing faster and why?
China's GDP grows at 5.2% annually versus Japan's 2.5%, driven by continued industrialization, infrastructure investment, and emerging middle-class expansion. Japan's slower growth reflects its mature, developed-economy status with already-high per-capita income. China's growth rate is expected to moderate to 3.5-4% by 2030 as it develops further.
What are the biggest economic risks for each country?
China faces trade war vulnerability (exports represent 18% of GDP), real estate sector stress, and demographic headwinds from aging population. Japan faces the highest government debt among developed nations (264% of GDP), a shrinking workforce (-0.5% annually), and dependence on exports for growth, making it vulnerable to global demand shocks.
How do the two economies compare in financial stability?
China holds $3.2 trillion in foreign exchange reserves versus Japan's $1.2 trillion, providing greater short-term liquidity. However, Japan has lower government debt relative to its developed-economy status and is the world's largest net creditor with $3.5 trillion in external assets. Japan's financial system is more transparent and stable, while China faces hidden local government debt estimated at $5-7 trillion.
Total GDP (2024): China has $17.9 trillion, while Japan has $4.2 trillion.
GDP Per Capita: China has $12,720, while Japan has $31,950.
Global GDP Ranking: China has 2nd (after USA), while Japan has 4th (after USA, China, Germany).
Consider: Annual GDP Growth Rate (2023-2024)
Annual GDP Growth Rate (2023-2024): China has 5.2%, while Japan has 2.5%.
Manufacturing Output Share: China has 28% of global manufacturing, while Japan has 7% of global manufacturing.
Primary Economic Driver: China has Manufacturing, exports, construction, while Japan has Services, technology, automotive, robotics.
Foreign Exchange Reserves: China has $3.2 trillion, while Japan has $1.2 trillion.