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Military Stats: compare key data on China & North Korea

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Definitions

  • Air force > Combat aircraft: Number of fighter aircrafts (fixed wing aircrafts with combat capability).
  • Army > Main battle tanks: Number of main battle tanks.
  • Expenditures > Percent of GDP: Current military expenditures as an estimated percent of gross domestic product (GDP).
  • Global Peace Index: The Global Peace Index is comprised of 22 indicators in the three categories ongoing domestic or international conflicts; societal safety; and security and militarization. A low index value indicates a peaceful and safe country.
  • Military branches: This entry lists the service branches subordinate to defense ministries or the equivalent (typically ground, naval, air, and marine forces).
  • Military service age and obligation: This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of service obligation.
  • Navy > Aircraft carriers: Number of aircraft carriers.
  • Navy > Submarines: Number of patrol boats (includes minesweepers).
  • Paramilitary personnel: Paramilitary.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Personnel: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces.
  • Personnel > Per capita: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Service age and obligation: This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of sevice obligation.
  • WMD > Missile: A description of the nation's situation with regards to the possession and manufacture of missile weapons of mass destruction
  • WMD > Nuclear: A description of the nation's situation with regards to the possession and manufacture of nuclear weapons
  • Navy > Frigates: Number of frigates.
  • Navy > Destroyers: Number of destroyers.
  • Nuclear weapons > Nuclear warheads: Total nuclear warheads.
  • Expenditures > Dollar figure per capita: Current military expenditures in US dollars; the figure is calculated by multiplying the estimated defense spending in percentage terms by the gross domestic product (GDP) calculated on an exchange rate basis not purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Dollar figures for military expenditures should be treated with caution because of different price patterns and accounting methods among nations, as well as wide variations in the strength of their currencies. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Branches: The names of the ground, naval, air, marine, and other defense or security forces
  • Air force > Bombers: Number of bomber combat aircrafts.
  • Navy > Amphibious warfare ships: Number of amphibious warfare ships.
  • Nuclear weapons > Total yield of all tests: Total yield, kt.
  • Weapons of mass destruction > Chemical weapons possession:

    Status of possession of chemical weapons of countries that either declared chemical weapon stockpiles, are suspected of secretly stockpiling them, or are running chemical weapons research programs.

  • Air force > Fighters: Number of fighter combat aircrafts.
  • Nuclear weapons > Nuclear tests: Tests.
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Males: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Expenditures > Dollar figure: Current military expenditures in US dollars; the figure is calculated by multiplying the estimated defense spending in percentage terms by the gross domestic product (GDP) calculated on an exchange rate basis not purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Dollar figures for military expenditures should be treated with caution because of different price patterns and accounting methods among nations, as well as wide variations in the strength of their currencies
  • Nuclear weapons > Atmospheric tests: Atmospheric tests.
  • Nuclear weapons > Peaceful use tests: Peaceful tests.
  • Nuclear weapons > Share of all nuclear tests: By test count.
  • Nuclear weapons > Share of all nuclear tests by yield: By yield.
  • Nuclear weapons > Test detonations: Detonations.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males: The number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults.
  • Expenditure > Current LCU: Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilization, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.)
  • Personnel per 1000: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Weapons of mass destruction > Chemical Weapons Convention ratification: Date of ratification of the Chemical Weapon Convention (CWC) of countries who either declared chemical weapon stockpiles, are suspected of secretly stockpiling them, or are running chemical weapons research programs.
  • Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services.
  • WMD > Biological: A description of the nation's situation with regards to the possession and manufacture of biological weapons of mass destruction
  • Expenditures > Dollar figure > Per $ GDP: Current military expenditures in US dollars; the figure is calculated by multiplying the estimated defense spending in percentage terms by the gross domestic product (GDP) calculated on an exchange rate basis not purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Dollar figures for military expenditures should be treated with caution because of different price patterns and accounting methods among nations, as well as wide variations in the strength of their currencies Per $ GDP figures expressed per 1,000 $ gross domestic product
  • Weapon holdings per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services.
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Males per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Expenditures > Dollar figure > Per capita: Current military expenditures in US dollars; the figure is calculated by multiplying the estimated defense spending in percentage terms by the gross domestic product (GDP) calculated on an exchange rate basis not purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Dollar figures for military expenditures should be treated with caution because of different price patterns and accounting methods among nations, as well as wide variations in the strength of their currencies Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Manpower > Military age: The minimum age at which an individual may volunteer for military service or be subject to conscription.
  • Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49: This entry gives the number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults.
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Employment in arms > Production per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49: The total numbers of males aged 15-49. This statistic assumes that every individual is fit to serve.
  • Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Females per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Females: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49: The number of males aged 15-49 fit for military service. This is a more refined measure of potential military manpower availability which tries to correct for the health situation in the country and reduces the maximum potential number to a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 per 1000: The total numbers of males aged 15-49. This statistic assumes that every individual is fit to serve. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49 per 1000: This entry gives the number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Females per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 per 1000: The number of males aged 15-49 fit for military service. This is a more refined measure of potential military manpower availability which tries to correct for the health situation in the country and reduces the maximum potential number to a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Personnel > % of total labor force: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces. Labor force comprises all people who meet the International Labour Organization's definition of the economically active population.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Availability > Females per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males per 1000: The number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 > Per capita: The number of males aged 15-49 fit for military service. This is a more refined measure of potential military manpower availability which tries to correct for the health situation in the country and reduces the maximum potential number to a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females > Per capita: Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 > Per capita: The total numbers of males aged 15-49. This statistic assumes that every individual is fit to serve. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males > Per capita: The number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
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STAT China North Korea HISTORY
Air force > Combat aircraft 1,500
Ranked 1st. 2 times more than North Korea 		661
Ranked 4th.
Army > Main battle tanks 9,000
Ranked 1st. 3 times more than North Korea 		3,500
Ranked 5th.
Expenditures > Percent of GDP 4.3%
Ranked 14th. 		22.9%
Ranked 1st. 5 times more than China
Global Peace Index 2.14
Ranked 62nd. 		3.04
Ranked 9th. 42% more than China
Manpower fit for military service > Males age 16-49 None None
Military branches People's Liberation Army (PLA): Ground Forces, Navy (PLAN; includes marines and naval aviation), Air Force (Zhongguo Renmin Jiefangjun Kongjun, PLAAF; includes Airborne Forces), and Second Artillery Corps (strategic missile force); People's Armed Police (Renmin Wuzhuang Jingcha Budui, PAP); PLA Reserve Force North Korean People's Army: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force; civil security forces
Military service age and obligation 18-24 years of age for selective compulsory military service, with a 2-year service obligation; no minimum age for voluntary service (all officers are volunteers); 18-19 years of age for women high school graduates who meet requirements for specific military jobs; a recent military decision allows women in combat roles; the first class of women warship commanders was in 2011 18 is presumed to be the legal minimum age for compulsory military service; 16-17 is the presumed legal minimum age for voluntary service
Navy > Aircraft carriers 1
Ranked 2nd. 		0.0
Ranked 9th.
Navy > Submarines 40
Ranked 1st. 		70
Ranked 1st. 75% more than China
Paramilitary personnel 3.97 million
Ranked 1st. 21 times more than North Korea 		189,000
Ranked 7th.
Personnel 3.75 million
Ranked 1st. 3 times more than North Korea 		1.29 million
Ranked 5th.
Personnel > Per capita 2.88 per 1,000 people
Ranked 107th. 		57.59 per 1,000 people
Ranked 1st. 20 times more than China
Service age and obligation 18-22 years of age for selective compulsory military service, with 24-month service obligation; no minimum age for voluntary service (all officers are volunteers); 18-19 years of age for women high school graduates who meet requirements for specific military jobs 17 years of age
WMD > Missile China has produced and deployed a wide range of ballistic missiles, ranging from short-range missiles to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). China's missiles are operated by the Second Artillery Corps, and include about 650 DF-11 (M-11) and DF-15 (M-9) missiles opposite Taiwan; several dozens of DF-3, DF-4, and DF-21 medium-range missiles that can reach Japan, India, and Russia; and 18-24 DF-5 ICBMs that can reach the United States and Europe. A transition is currently underway from relatively inaccurate, liquid-fueled, silo/cave-based missiles (DF-3, DF-4, DF-5) to more accurate, solid-fueled, mobile missiles (DF-11, DF-15, and DF-21, and a new ICBM [the DF-31] and SLBM [the JL-2], which are currently under development). China is replacing its older DF-5 missiles with new DF-5A variants, which may eventually be equipped with multiple warheads. A key question is how US deployment of ballistic missile defense (former known as theater and national missile defense) will affect the pace and scope of Chinese strategic modernization. Chinese missile exports have been a problem for more than a decade. China transferred 36 DF-3 medium-range missiles to Saudi Arabia in 1988, and supplied Pakistan with 34 M-11 short-range missiles in 1992. China has provided technology and expertise to the missile programs of several countries, including Pakistan, Iran, and North Korea. China has not joined the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), but has pledged to abide by its main parameters. In November 2000, China promised not to assist any country in the development of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. In August 2002, China issued regulations and a control list restricting the export of missiles and missile technology. Since 2004, China has been engaged in consultation with the MTCR; however, its application for membership was not successful in the regime's latest plenary meeting in Seoul, South Korea, in October 2004. Concerns about Chinese missile technology transfers continue. North Korea began its missile development program in the 1970s and tested an "indigenous" Scud-B ballistic missile in April 1984. Pyongyang subsequently produced the 500km-range Scud-C, the 800km-range Scud-D, and a 1300km-range missile known as the Nodong. In August 1998, North Korea flight-tested the Paektusan-1 (Taepodong-1) in a failed attempt to place a small satellite into earth orbit. North Korea is continuing to develop the so-called “Taepodong-2,” which is estimated to have intercontinental range. The Taepodong-2 has not been flight-tested, but U.S. intelligence analysts believe it could be ready for testing at any time. Pyongyang has deployed as many as 600-750 ballistic missiles, including about 175-200 Nodongs. In December 2002, Spanish and American naval forces intercepted a North Korean ship loaded with Scud missiles, but then allowed the ship to proceed to deliver the missiles to Yemen. There were rumors in 2003 of Burmese plans to purchase ballistic missiles from North Korea, but it is unclear whether any transactions have been completed. In late January 2004, North Korea and Nigeria reportedly agreed to a missile deal, but Nigeria backed out of the agreement in early February under U.S. pressure. North Korea has exported missiles, missile components, and technology to Egypt, Iran, Libya, Pakistan, Syria, and Yemen. In September 1999, Pyongyang agreed to a moratorium on missile flight tests and later announced that it would maintain the moratorium until at least 2003. North Korea is not a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
WMD > Nuclear China's nuclear weapons program began in 1955 and culminated in a successful nuclear test in 1964. Since then, China has conducted 45 nuclear tests, including tests of thermonuclear weapons and a neutron bomb. The series of nuclear tests in 1995-96 prior to China's signature of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) may have resulted in a smaller and lighter warhead design for the new generation of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) now under development. China is estimated to have about 400 strategic and tactical nuclear weapons, and stocks of fissile material sufficient to produce a much larger arsenal. China joined the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1984 and acceded to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 1992 as a nuclear weapon state. China provided nuclear reactors and technology to several countries in the 1980s and early 1990s, including design information and fissile material that reportedly helped Pakistan develop nuclear weapons. Since the early 1990s, China has improved its export controls, including the promulgation of regulations on nuclear and nuclear dual-use exports and has pledged to halt exports of nuclear technology to un-safeguarded facilities. In 2002 China ratified the IAEA Additional Protocol, the first and only nuclear weapons state to do so. On 10 February 2005, a spokesman for the North Korean Foreign Ministry announced that North Korea had manufactured nuclear weapons. On 19 September 2005, the North Korean delegation to the Six-Party Talks in Beijing signed a "Statement of Principles" whereby Pyongyang agreed to abandon all nuclear programs and return to the NPT and IAEA safeguards. However, on the following day a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry declared that the United States would have to provide a light-water reactor to North Korea in order to resolve the lack of trust between the two countries. The sudden announcement raised doubts about the Statement of Principles, but the Six-Parties have agreed to meet again, probably in November 2005. Although North Korea has not conducted a nuclear test, in early May 2005 press reports indicated that US satellite imagery had detected signs that North Korea could be preparing to conduct a test in June. In early April 2005, North Korea shut down its 5MW(e) reactor in Yŏngbyŏn-kun and declared that the spent fuel would be extracted to "increase North Korea's nuclear deterrent." North Korea had been operating the reactor since late February 2003, so North Korean technicians should be able to extract enough plutonium from the spent fuel for 1-3 nuclear bombs. North Korea's nuclear infrastructure began with the establishment of a nuclear energy research complex in Yŏngbyŏn-kun in 1964. The Soviet Union provided a small research reactor at the site in 1965, and North Korea subsequently expanded the complex and built a number of new facilities, including a large plutonium reprocessing plant (Radiochemistry Laboratory). North Korea signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) in 1985 but did not submit to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections until May 1992. Discrepancies between North Korean declarations and IAEA inspection findings indicate that North Korea might have reprocessed enough plutonium for one or two nuclear weapons. According to a December 2001 National Intelligence Council report, the U.S. intelligence community ascertained in the mid-1990s that North Korea had produced one, possibly two, nuclear weapons. In mid-2002, U.S. intelligence discovered that North Korea had been receiving materials from Pakistan for a highly enriched uranium production facility. In October 2002, the U.S. State Department informed North Korea that the U.S. was aware of this program, which is a violation of Pyongyang’s nonproliferation commitments. North Korean officials initially denied the existence of such a program, but then acknowledged it. The U.S. responded by announcing in November 2002 that it would suspend heavy fuel oil shipments being provided under the terms of the Agreed Framework, which had led North Korea to freeze its plutonium production facilities. Pyongyang then declared the following month that it was lifting the freeze on its nuclear program, ostensibly to generate electricity. In late December 2002, North Korean technicians broke seals and disabled cameras that had been installed by the IAEA in order to monitor the freeze. North Korea expelled IAEA inspectors on 31 December 2002, curtailing the Agency’s capacity to monitor Pyongyang’s nuclear activities. The IAEA has not been able to verify the completeness and correctness of North Korea’s initial declaration submitted in 1992, and the Agency cannot verify whether fissile material has been diverted to military use. On 10 January 2003, North Korea declared its withdrawal from the NPT. The treaty requires a 90-day waiting period, but Pyongyang claimed the withdrawal was effective immediately because 89 days had transpired in 1993 when North Korea initially announced its intention to withdraw before "suspending its intention to withdraw from the treaty." In late February 2003, North Korea restarted its 5WW(e) reactor, and in March, reports indicated that technicians were active at the Radiochemistry Laboratory, and on 2 October, the North Korean Foreign Ministry declared that the reprocessing of 8,000 spent fuel rods had been completed “to increase its nuclear deterrent force.” On 12 May 2003, North Korea declared that the "Joint Declaration of the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" of 20 January 1992 was no longer valid because of "violations by the United States" [Note: the United States was not a signatory]. Estimates vary on how soon North Korea could begin operating a uranium enrichment plant, but Pyongyang probably could not produce significant quantities of weapons-grade HEU until the end of the decade. In April 2003, Egyptian customs officials intercepted 22 tons of aluminum tubing from Germany that would likely have been used for a pilot cascade of about 100-200 gas centrifuges, which indicates North Korea is probably not yet ready to begin operation of a large-scale plant. North Korea has reportedly established a facility to produce UF6 at the Yŏngbyŏn nuclear complex, which gives Pyongyang the capability to produce the stock of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) gas to feed the cascades of centrifuges in a large-scale plant.
Navy > Frigates 48
Ranked 1st. 4 times more than North Korea 		13
Ranked 5th.
Navy > Destroyers 27
Ranked 1st. 		0.0
Ranked 9th.
Nuclear weapons > Nuclear warheads 250
Ranked 4th. 25 times more than North Korea 		10
Ranked 9th.
Expenditures > Dollar figure per capita $52.07
Ranked 27th. 		$224.42
Ranked 8th. 4 times more than China
Branches People's Liberation Army (PLA): Ground Forces, Navy (includes marines and naval aviation), Air Force (includes airborne forces), and Second Artillery Corps (strategic missile force); People's Armed Police (PAP); PLA Reserve Force North Korean People's Army: Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force; civil security forces
Air force > Bombers 118
Ranked 3rd. 97% more than North Korea 		60
Ranked 5th.
Navy > Amphibious warfare ships 27
Ranked 2nd. 		0.0
Ranked 9th.
Nuclear weapons > Total yield of all tests 24,409 Kt
Ranked 2nd. 2034 times more than North Korea 		12 Kt
Ranked 6th.
Weapons of mass destruction > Chemical weapons possession Probable Known
Air force > Fighters 1,130
Ranked 3rd. 26% more than North Korea 		899
Ranked 5th.
Nuclear weapons > Nuclear tests 47
Ranked 1st. 16 times more than North Korea 		3
Ranked 3rd.
Manpower reaching military age annually > Males 10.41 million
Ranked 2nd. 50 times more than North Korea 		207,737
Ranked 54th.
Expenditures > Dollar figure $67.49 billion
Ranked 1st. 13 times more than North Korea 		$5.22 billion
Ranked 10th.
Nuclear weapons > Atmospheric tests 23
Ranked 3rd. 		0.0
Ranked 6th.
Weapon holdings 34.28 million
Ranked 2nd. 94% more than North Korea 		17.63 million
Ranked 3rd.
Nuclear weapons > Peaceful use tests 0.0
Ranked 4th. 		0.0
Ranked 6th.
Nuclear weapons > Share of all nuclear tests 2.22%
Ranked 3rd. 16 times more than North Korea 		0.141%
Ranked 5th.
Nuclear weapons > Share of all nuclear tests by yield 4.51%
Ranked 2nd. 2050 times more than North Korea 		0.0022%
Ranked 6th.
Nuclear weapons > Test detonations 47
Ranked 3rd. 16 times more than North Korea 		3
Ranked 6th.
Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males 10.76 million
Ranked 2nd. 54 times more than North Korea 		199,628
Ranked 54th.
Manpower available for military service > Males age 16-49 None None
Expenditure > Current LCU 363000000000 4780000000
Personnel per 1000 2.88
Ranked 107th. 		54.38
Ranked 1st. 19 times more than China
Weapons of mass destruction > Chemical Weapons Convention ratification April 4, 1997 No
Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ 2.7 billion constant 1990 US$
Ranked 1st. 1349 times more than North Korea 		2 million constant 1990 US$
Ranked 76th.
WMD > Biological China ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in December 1996, declaring two former chemical weapons (CW) production facilities that may have produced mustard gas and Lewisite. Since 1997, China has hosted 14 on-site inspections by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Although China claims that it no longer possesses any CW stockpiles, the U.S. government believes that China has not revealed the full scope of its program. China has signed a bilateral agreement with Japan to destroy CW that Japan abandoned in Chinese territory during World War II. Although Pyongyang acceded to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) in 1987, North Korea is suspected of having a biological weapons program. Reports indicate that North Korea apparently began to produce biological weapons in the early 1980s. To date, North Korea has likely developed and produced anthrax bacteria, botulinum toxin, and plague bacteria.
Expenditures > Dollar figure > Per $ GDP $34.94 per 1,000 $ of GDP
Ranked 13th. 		$234.38 per 1,000 $ of GDP
Ranked 1st. 7 times more than China
Weapon holdings per 1000 26.95
Ranked 88th. 		765.25
Ranked 5th. 28 times more than China
Manpower fit for military service > Females age 16-49 None None
Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ 129 million constant 1990 US$
Ranked 13th. 10 times more than North Korea 		13 million constant 1990 US$
Ranked 29th.
Employment in arms > Production 2.5 million
Ranked 1st. 21 times more than North Korea 		120,000
Ranked 7th.
Manpower reaching military age annually > Males per thousand people 7.7
Ranked 144th. 		8.39
Ranked 127th. 9% more than China
Expenditures > Dollar figure > Per capita $52.07 per capita
Ranked 27th. 		$235.58 per capita
Ranked 8th. 5 times more than China
Manpower > Availability > Males 375.01 million
Ranked 1st. 60 times more than North Korea 		6.23 million
Ranked 48th.
Manpower > Military age 18 years of age 18 years of age
Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49 13.19 million
Ranked 1st. 68 times more than North Korea 		194,605
Ranked 43th.
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males 10.41 million
Ranked 2nd. 50 times more than North Korea 		207,737
Ranked 54th.
Manpower available for military service > Females age 16-49 363789674 None
Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita 2.07 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 47th. 25 times more than North Korea 		0.084 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 78th.
Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita 98.89 constant 1990 US$ per 1
Ranked 33th. 		580.78 constant 1990 US$ per 1
Ranked 26th. 6 times more than China
Employment in arms > Production per 1000 1.97
Ranked 14th. 		5.21
Ranked 6th. 3 times more than China
Manpower > Fit for military service > Males 313.32 million
Ranked 1st. 61 times more than North Korea 		5.14 million
Ranked 45th.
Manpower > Availability > Females 354.31 million
Ranked 1st. 57 times more than North Korea 		6.19 million
Ranked 44th.
Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 375.52 million
Ranked 1st. 62 times more than North Korea 		6.1 million
Ranked 46th.
Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita 2.07 constant 1990 US$ per c
Ranked 47th. 23 times more than North Korea 		0.089 constant 1990 US$ per c
Ranked 77th.
Manpower reaching military age annually > Females per thousand people 6.83
Ranked 156th. 		8.35
Ranked 128th. 22% more than China
Manpower reaching military age annually > Females 9.13 million
Ranked 2nd. 45 times more than North Korea 		204,553
Ranked 54th.
Manpower > Fit for military service > Females 295.95 million
Ranked 1st. 58 times more than North Korea 		5.14 million
Ranked 41st.
Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 206 million
Ranked 1st. 56 times more than North Korea 		3.65 million
Ranked 47th.
Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 per 1000 288.04
Ranked 19th. 12% more than North Korea 		256.31
Ranked 64th.
Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49 per 1000 10.01
Ranked 57th. 24% more than North Korea 		8.07
Ranked 97th.
Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita 0.0989 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 33th. 		0.55 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 26th. 6 times more than China
Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females per 1000 7.33
Ranked 142nd. 		7.94
Ranked 132nd. 8% more than China
Manpower > Fit for military service > Females per 1000 223.42
Ranked 29th. 5% more than North Korea 		211.99
Ranked 51st.
Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 per 1000 158.01
Ranked 95th. 3% more than North Korea 		153.45
Ranked 100th.
Manpower > Fit for military service > Males per 1000 236.53
Ranked 20th. 12% more than North Korea 		212.06
Ranked 44th.
Personnel > % of total labor force 0.48%
Ranked 120th. 		12.11%
Ranked 1st. 25 times more than China
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Male 10406544 207737
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Female 9131990 204553
Manpower > Availability > Males per 1000 283.1
Ranked 25th. 10% more than North Korea 		256.8
Ranked 73th.
Manpower > Availability > Females per 1000 267.48
Ranked 34th. 5% more than North Korea 		255.25
Ranked 58th.
Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males per 1000 8.12
Ranked 136th. 		8.23
Ranked 133th. 1% more than China
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females 9.13 million
Ranked 2nd. 45 times more than North Korea 		204,553
Ranked 54th.
Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females 9.71 million
Ranked 2nd. 50 times more than North Korea 		192,388
Ranked 53th.
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females per thousand people 6.83
Ranked 155th. 		8.35
Ranked 127th. 22% more than China
Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 > Per capita 0.161 per capita
Ranked 102nd. 		0.165 per capita
Ranked 97th. 2% more than China
Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females > Per capita 7.3 per 1,000 people
Ranked 160th. 		8.19 per 1,000 people
Ranked 138th. 12% more than China
Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 > Per capita 0.293 per capita
Ranked 20th. 6% more than North Korea 		0.276 per capita
Ranked 43th.
Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males > Per capita 8.09 per 1,000 people
Ranked 152nd. 		8.5 per 1,000 people
Ranked 139th. 5% more than China
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males per thousand people 7.71
Ranked 143th. 		8.4
Ranked 127th. 9% more than China

SOURCES: Wikipedia: List of countries by level of military equipment (List); All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008; http://www.visionofhumanity.org/#/page/indexes/global-peace-index, Global Rankings. Vision of Humanity.; CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 28 March 2011; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013; Wikipedia: List of countries by number of military and paramilitary personnel (The list); World Development Indicators database; The Nuclear Threat Initiative; http://www.fas.org/programs/ssp/nukes/nuclearweapons/nukestatus.html, April 2014; All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Wikipedia: List of countries by level of military equipment (Combat aircraft by country); Wikipedia: Worldwide nuclear testing counts and summary (Worldwide nuclear testing totals by country); Wikipedia: Chemical warfare (Efforts to eradicate chemical weapons); Wikipedia: Worldwide nuclear testing counts and summary (Worldwide nuclear testing totals by country) (Including salvo tests counted as a single test.); Wikipedia: Worldwide nuclear testing counts and summary (Worldwide nuclear testing totals by country) (Defined as these classes of tests: atmospheric, surface, barge, cratering, space, and underwater tests.); Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC); Wikipedia: Worldwide nuclear testing counts and summary (Worldwide nuclear testing totals by country) (As declared so by the nation testing; some may have been dual use.); Wikipedia: Worldwide nuclear testing counts and summary (Worldwide nuclear testing totals by country) (Detonations include zero-yield detonations in safety tests and failed full yield tests, but not those in the accident category listed above.); World Development Indicators database. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Wikipedia: Chemical weapon proliferation; Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC). Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; CIA World Factbook, 14 June, 2007; CIA World Factbook, 28 July 2005; CIA World Factbook, 28 July 2005. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; CIA World Factbook, 14 June, 2007. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.

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