GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily

Military Strength: Flag of China China vs Flag of Maldives Maldives

Military Strength
China Maldives
Global Military Index 85.0 (#2) 2.1 (#172)
Military personnel 2,535,000 5,000
– Reserve troops 510,000 0
– Paramilitary forces 1,500,000 0
Military aircraft 3,731 4
– incl. combat aircraft 2,043 0
– incl. bombers 234 0
– incl. helicopters 1,019 2
Military ships 1,005 0
– incl. aircraft carriers 3 0
– incl. submarines 62 0
Main battle tanks 6,800 0
Nuclear warheads 600 0
– incl. deployed 24 0
Military Forces Chart

Overview

China (ranked #2 globally) holds a stronger overall military position than Maldives (#172) on the Global Military Index. China fields 2,535,000 active troops — 507:1 Maldives's 5,000, backed by 510,000 reserves and 1,500,000 paramilitary. China allocates $281B to defense.

In the air, China operates 3,731 aircraft including 2,043 combat jets, while Maldives fields 4 with 0 fighters.

China operates a 1005-ship naval fleet; Maldives has no navy. On the ground, China deploys 6,800 main battle tanks vs 0 for Maldives.

China is a nuclear power with 600 warheads; Maldives has no nuclear arsenal.

Global Military Index

Full ranking →
🇨🇳 China World #2
85.0/ 100
Six-pillar composite: manpower, ground forces, naval power, air power, nuclear deterrent and defense budget, with a readiness modifier from budget per soldier. Full methodology.
Pillar Weight Score Basis
Manpower 15% 98.7 2740000 effective
Ground forces 20% 87.2 6800 main battle tanks
Naval power 20% 100.0 Carrier tiers, nuclear vs conventional submarines
Air power 25% 91.0 Weighted by aircraft type & fleet age
Nuclear deterrent 10% 62.2 600 warheads
Defense budget 10% 91.8 $281B, PPP-adjusted
Readiness modifier ×1.09 Budget per soldier
🇲🇻 Maldives World #172
2.0/ 100
Six-pillar composite: manpower, ground forces, naval power, air power, nuclear deterrent and defense budget, with a readiness modifier from budget per soldier. Full methodology.
Pillar Weight Score Basis
Manpower 15% 0.0 0 effective
Ground forces 20% 0.0 Tanks, armor & artillery
Naval power 20% 0.0 Carrier tiers, nuclear vs conventional submarines
Air power 25% 9.4 Weighted by aircraft type & fleet age
Nuclear deterrent 10% 0.0 No declared capability
Defense budget 10% 0.0 Data unavailable
Readiness modifier ×1.00 Budget per soldier

Country Profile

Economy & Geography
China Maldives
Population 1.4 billion 527799
GDP $18.7 trillion $7.1 billion
GDP per capita $13,303 $13,379
Military budget $281B
– share of GDP 1.5% 0.0%
– share of govt spending 0.0% 0.0%
– per capita spending $200 $
Land area 9,326,410 km² 298 km²
Coastline 14,500 km 644 km
Military Budget Evolution
Military Personnel Evolution
Economic Metrics Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has more military personnel, China or Maldives?
China has approximately 2,535,000 active military personnel compared to Maldives's 5,000, giving China a 507:1 numerical advantage.
Which country has more combat aircraft, China or Maldives?
China operates 2,043 combat aircraft compared to Maldives's 0. This includes fighters, strike aircraft, and multirole combat jets.
Who has the larger navy, China or Maldives?
China has a larger navy with 1005 vessels compared to Maldives's 0 ships. China operates 62 submarines while Maldives has 0.
Which country spends more on defense, China or Maldives?
China has a larger defense budget at $281.2 billion compared to Maldives's $0 million annually.
Do China and Maldives have nuclear weapons?
China possesses nuclear weapons with approximately 600 warheads, while Maldives does not have nuclear weapons.
How do the tank forces of China and Maldives compare?
China operates 6,800 main battle tanks compared to Maldives's 0. Tank numbers reflect both active inventory and reserves.