Many experts believe that China’s military has grown large enough to rival the United States. China has more naval assets, its air force has made significant advances, and its overall military size surpasses that of the US. However, the common belief is that China still cannot truly compete with the US, as the US possesses far stronger and more lethal weapons. But is this really true when comparing equipment directly? Are US fighter jets, submarines, aircraft carriers, and battle tanks truly more advanced than China’s? Let’s explore this by comparing their military equipment.
Starting with the basics, we have manpower and military expenditure. Given China’s population of over a billion people, it’s no surprise that they have about 3.17 million military personnel. In contrast, the US has around 2.12 million personnel. However, the US leads in military spending, with a defense budget of over $831 billion, compared to China’s $227 billion. A larger defense budget often means better equipment, but this isn’t always the case. China’s lower budget may be sufficient due to lower wages and costs. Now, let’s examine their military equipment, beginning with the navy.
The navy is crucial to understanding the strengths of both nations, especially since they are over 11,671 kilometers apart. Any conflict between them would likely be fought at sea.
China’s navy is now larger than that of the US. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) surpassed the US Navy in fleet size around 2020. According to the Pentagon’s 2023 China Military Power Report, China’s navy currently has about 370 warships, with expectations to grow to 395 ships by 2025 and 435 ships by 2030. Meanwhile, the US Navy operates over 280 vessels. However, fleet size alone doesn’t determine strength, so understanding the specifics of their equipment is essential.
Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of modern navies, acting as floating air bases that project power far from a nation’s shores. China currently has three aircraft carriers: Liaoning, Shandong, and Fujian. The Fujian is the largest and most advanced, though details about it are scarce. The U.S. Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) reports that Fujian is around 315 meters long, similar to China’s other carriers but more advanced. Fujian is expected to carry 50-60 aircraft, including J-15 fighters and KJ-600 early warning aircraft.
The Fujian is considered the third-largest aircraft carrier in the world, behind only the U.S. Navy’s Nimitz- and Ford-class carriers, which are over 100,000 tonnes, and ahead of the UK’s Queen Elizabeth class. While Fujian’s air wing is slightly smaller than that of the US Navy’s carriers, it remains a formidable asset. Reports suggest that China is also developing a larger Type 004 supercarrier, possibly nuclear-powered, which could match the largest US carriers.
China’s submarine fleet is another critical aspect of its navy. The PLAN has 60 submarines, with plans to expand to 65 by 2025. China’s submarine program began with older models like the Romeo-class and Ming-class, but has since advanced to the Jin-class (Type 094) and Shang-class (Type 093) submarines. The Jin-class submarines, designed for ballistic missile deployment, have faced challenges such as high noise levels, which reduce their strategic deterrence capability. Nonetheless, they are armed with advanced missiles like the JL-2 and possibly JL-3, capable of targeting US territories like Hawaii, Guam, and Alaska.
China’s Type 055 destroyers, also known as the Renhai class, are some of the most powerful in the world. These warships displace over 12,000 tons and are slightly larger than the U.S. Navy’s Ticonderoga-class cruisers. They are primarily used to escort China’s aircraft carriers.
In terms of air power, China’s J-20 fighter jet is often compared to the US F-22. While the F-22 is widely regarded as superior in speed and maneuverability, the J-20 has a longer travel range. The F-22’s advanced stealth capabilities and experienced pilots give it an edge in a direct confrontation. Many experts believe that the F-22 remains the world’s strongest fighter jet.
Finally, missiles are a crucial element in military power. China has reportedly deployed several hypersonic missiles, including the YJ-21, capable of destroying US aircraft carriers. The YJ-21, with a flight speed of Mach 6 and a terminal velocity of Mach 10, can reach targets up to 930 miles (1,500 kilometers) away. This makes it a significant threat. However, the US also has powerful missiles, such as the Standard Missile-6 and the Tomahawk Land Attack Missile, which have been deployed in places like the Philippines, alarming China.
So, can China’s military truly take on the US? Considering that China’s aircraft carriers are still smaller, their submarines face challenges, and US missiles are more advanced, it is safe to say that China is still far from catching up to the US. However, this could change over time. The key to becoming a military powerhouse is economic strength. As long as the US maintains its economic superiority, it will likely remain the dominant military force. If this balance shifts, China could one day become the global superpower.