The United States leads in per-capita GDP ($76,398 vs $12,556), military spending ($820B vs $296B), and technological innovation metrics, while China surpasses the U.S. in total population (1.42B vs 339M), manufacturing output, and renewable energy capacity (1,547 GW vs 658 GW).
China vs United States — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
The United States maintains economic and military dominance with higher per-capita wealth, greater military capabilities, and stronger per-capita innovation metrics, making it the global superpower in individual prosperity and defense. China's advantages lie in scale (population, manufacturing, renewable energy, total GDP), positioning it as an emerging superpower with growing influence. Choose the U.S. for measuring advanced economies and individual living standards; choose China for understanding manufacturing, population-scale economies, and future global influence.
Compare United States of America vs People's Republic of China
Federal republic with the world's largest economy and military superpower status.
One-party socialist state with world's second-largest economy, dominant manufacturing sector, and 1.4 billion population.
China vs United States — Comparison Data
Structured comparison data for China vs United States with 116 attributes.
Combined Global Economic Share (Nominal)
Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery Production
Average Annual GDP Growth Rate (2024-2026)
JPMorgan Growth Leadership Outlook (2026)
China vs United States — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for China vs United States.
The United States has the largest economy by total GDP ($27.3 trillion vs $17.9 trillion) and dramatically higher per-capita GDP ($76,398 vs $12,556), indicating greater individual wealth and purchasing power. China's economy is the second-largest and growing rapidly, but the average American is 6x wealthier than the average Chinese citizen.
Which country is more technologically advanced?
The United States leads in per-capita innovation with 715,000 annual patent filings and dominance in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and software development. However, China files more patents per capita in renewable energy and manufacturing technologies. The U.S. maintains leadership in high-value, cutting-edge innovation.
The United States has more physicians per capita (4.7 vs 2.1 per 1,000) and leads in medical research and cutting-edge treatments, but costs are extreme—averaging $12,000 per person annually versus $1,400 in China. China offers universal coverage but with lower quality in rural areas, while the U.S. provides superior care for those who can afford it.
Which country is winning the renewable energy race?
China dominates renewable energy capacity with 1,547 GW compared to 658 GW in the U.S. (2.35x larger). China leads in solar, wind, and hydroelectric deployment, driven by government mandates and massive capital investment. The U.S. is rapidly expanding renewables but started later and with less government coordination.
The United States maintains unmatched military dominance with a $820 billion budget versus China's $296 billion, operating 11 aircraft carriers (China has 3), and maintaining technological superiority. However, China has larger personnel numbers (2.27 million active vs 1.34 million) and is rapidly modernizing its capabilities.