Militarily, the United States is currently stronger than China

Now let's begin. First off, my opponent wishes to add another subject about the spreading of forces. I have decided that, no, this will not be added to the list of subjects. Military Now the first subject we will debate is the size of each country's army. Remember that this only includes the current active military personnel and the current active military reserves. As of now the United States has 1,477,896 active military personnel and 1,458,500 active reserves. The Chinese have 2,285,000 active military personnel and 800,000 reserves. Let's add up the numbers: 2,936,396 (US) vs. 3,085,000 (China) Yes the Chinese outnumber the Americans, but this actually rather even. The Chinese just have some 148,604 extra troops than we do (. http://www.globalfirepower.com..., . http://www.globalfirepower.com...) Now let's look at their assault rifles. The United States has actually two assault rifles at the moment. The M16 Rifle has been the long-time standard rifle and starting in 2010, it is slowly being replaced in only the US Army by the M4 (so the Marines will still have the M16). Each is a gas-operated, rotating bolt rifle. The M16 can averagely fire 700-900 rounds per minute. Its muzzle velocity is 3,110 feet per second and its effective range is 550 meters on a point target and 800 meters area target (. http://en.wikipedia.org...). Now for the M4, its rate of fire is 700-950 rounds per minute cyclic Its muzzle velocity is 2,900 feet per second. Its effective range is 500 meters for a point target and 600 meters for an area target (. http://en.wikipedia.org...). The Chinese have one assault rifle. It is the QBZ-95. Its rate of fire is 650 rounds per minute. In terms of muzzle velocity, it has 3,050 feet per second. Its effective range is 400 meters for a point target and 600 meters for an area target. (. http://en.wikipedia.org...). Generally, the M16 and M4 rifles are better than the QBZ-95. Each as a faster rate of fire. Both weapons have a better point target. The M4 has the same area target as the QBZ-95, but the M16 has a better area target. Air Force Now lets move to the air force. While air power does not single-handedly win wars, it certainly helps to enlist a little "help from above". This listing showcases all air-based aircraft per country including both fixed-wing and rotary-wing systems as well as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Transports and trainers are also included as part of the totals. So the grand total for both country's air forces is: United States: 18,234 China: 5,176 The US has far more aircraft than the Chinese (. http://www.globalfirepower.com...). Also, the US has more advanced aircraft as they have now fifth-generation jet fighters, the Chinese still mainly use fourth-generation get fighters. The US thus has more advanced aircraft than the Chinese (. http://en.wikipedia.org...). Land-Based Weapons Wars are still won on the ground, regardless of what technology may have you think. Covering all land-based weapon types including tanks, armored vehicles, anti-tank platforms, mobile rocket throwers, self-propelled guns, crew-served mortar weapons and towed artillery pieces. Here is the grand total: United States: 56,269 China: 47,575 The USA clearly outnumbers the Chinese (. http://www.globalfirepower.com...). Naval Forces Sea-going power is still one of the major factors when considering a nation's overall military strength. Includes navy ship vessels of all forms including surface and submarines as well as smaller patrol boats and logistical types. In the final GFP ranking, landlocked nations are NOT penalized for lack of a standing naval force. Here is the grand total: United States: 2,384 China: 972 We have far more naval ships than the Chinese (. http://www.globalfirepower.com...). Military Budget Because waging war still costs money - lots of it. Regardless of conflict, waging war still comes at a hefty price tag as showcased by current engagements in Libya, Afghanistan and Iraq. Defense budgets are used to sustain existing elements and procure all-new ones and supply the grease to keep the war machine turning. Here is the grand total: United States: $692,000,000,000 China: $100,000,000,000