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
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.
Compare China vs Other Developing Economies
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.
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2023)
China vs Other Developing Economies — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for China vs Other Developing Economies with 115 attributes.
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
Government Education Expenditure Per Capita
Years to Double GDP at Current Growth Rate
Foreign Direct Investment Inflows (2025)
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.