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Navy comparison: Flag of China China vs Flag of Vietnam Vietnam

China's 477 warships outnumber Vietnam's 86 (5.5:1 advantage). Counting auxiliaries, reserve and non-commissioned hulls, the fleets number 1008 and 116.

SEAS (Sea Equipment Aggregate Strength) Index face-off Full ranking →
Naval ensign of China ChinaWorld #2 93.8
SEAS Index / 100

China leads on 9 of 10 categories

Naval ensign of Vietnam VietnamWorld #18 20.4
  • 3 Aircraft carriersweight ×200 · size, era 0
  • 61 Destroyersweight ×50 · size, era 0
  • 64 Submarinesweight ×45 · size, era 6
  • 58 Frigatesweight ×30 · size, era 9
  • 50 Corvettesweight ×15 · size, era 17
  • 76 Amphibiousweight ×12 · size, era 8
  • 37 Mine warfareweight ×5 · size, era 8
  • 26 Patrol boatsweight ×2 · size, era 18
  • 34 Unmannedweight ×2 · size, era 0
  • 68 Coastal boatsweight ×1 · size, era 20
  • 442 Support shipsnot scored 20
  • 27 Cargo shipsnot scored 0
  • 54 Other shipsnot scored 10
China Vietnam Bars: weighted contribution to the SEAS Index (hulls × category weight × size, era and propulsion factors, minor vessels capped at 30 % of the combatant points; the air-wing, sustainment, armament and availability multipliers apply on top) · figures: active hulls at each side's latest inventory year · Methodology
Key figures as of 2026
China Vietnam Ratio
Official name People's Liberation Army Navy Vietnam People's Navy
Total ships 1,008 116 🇨🇳 8.7×
Active ships 1,000 116 🇨🇳 8.6×
On order / planned 24 9 🇨🇳 2.7×
Submarines 64 6 🇨🇳 11×
Principal surface combatants 119 9 🇨🇳 13×
Aircraft carriers 3 0 🇨🇳
Amphibious ships 76 8 🇨🇳 9.5×
Show full breakdown · 5 more rowsHide the 5 extra rows
Corvettes 50 17 🇨🇳 2.9×
Patrol boats 26 18 🇨🇳 1.4×
Mine warfare 37 8 🇨🇳 4.6×
Coastal boats 68 20 🇨🇳 3.4×
Auxiliaries 523 30 🇨🇳 17×
Backbone classes one per tier held
🇨🇳 ChinaType 003-class ×1Type 039A-class ×20Type 052D-class ×35
🇻🇳 VietnamImproved Kilo-class ×6Petya-class ×5Project 1241.1 Molniya-class ×12
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which country has more naval ships, China or Vietnam?
China has a larger navy with 477 warships in service compared to Vietnam's 86.
Which navy has more submarines, China or Vietnam?
China operates more submarines with 64 compared to Vietnam's 6.
Which country has more aircraft carriers, China or Vietnam?
China has 3 aircraft carrier(s) compared to Vietnam's 0.
Which navy has more destroyers, China or Vietnam?
China operates 61 destroyers compared to Vietnam's 0.
Which navy has more frigates, China or Vietnam?
China operates 58 frigates compared to Vietnam's 9.
How do the China and Vietnam navies compare in size?
China's navy is 5.5 times larger than Vietnam's in terms of total ships (477 vs 86).