China and Japan are both major East Asian economies. Both share long historical and cultural links. They also have a fractious history, including of conflict. Japan and China are very different countries. Both, of course, have major advantages and are highly successful nations. However, objectively, there are some areas that China simply outperforms Japan on. Let us explain…
1. China Has A Larger Economy Than Japan
A first way that China is better than Japan is because it has a larger economy.
China is now the second largest economy in the world. With a total GDP of 17.73 trillion USD, the country makes up over 18% of the total world economy. China’s economic size means that it plays a significant role in world trade, commerce, business and global finance. The country’s economy also plays a major role in the East Asian region, where it is by far the largest economy. The enormous size of the country’s economy gives China a range of advantages.
Japan is also a major world economy. It has long been on of the largest globally and is currently ranked third biggest in the world. However, with a GDP of 4.94 trillion USD, Japan’s economy is less than a third the size of China’s. Although Japan’s economy is highly developed, with key sectors in manufacturing and technology, the size of China’s economy allows it to attract more talent, business and investment. China is likely to remain the economic hearth of East Asia for many decades, potentially pulling business, people and investment from Japan.
The economic rise of China is unprecedent in human history. The fact that the country is now the second largest economy in the world shows the many advantages the country has, and in some ways why it could be better than Japan.
2. China Economy Is Growing Faster Than Japan’s
A second way that China is better than Japan is because its economy has been growing faster.
As we’ve said, the economic rise of China in recent decades has been unprecedented. China’s economy has grown massively since the early 1980s. Although the country’s economic growth has slowed in recent years, in 2021 China still posted an impressed 5.87% economic expansion. China’s expanding economy means that people are not only becoming richer, but there are also more economic opportunities for businesses and investors.
In contrast, Japan has been plagued with economic stagnation for many years. In 2021, Japan’s economy grew by only 1.66%. In fact, Japan is often cited as a country that has struggled to include economic growth. Although the country has made significant reforms in recent years to try and spur economic growth, these appear to have largely failed.
The simple contrast between China’s rapidly expanding economy, and Japan’s stagnant one, highlights a key reason why China is better.
3. China Is More Diverse Than Japan
A third reason why China is better than Japan is because it is more diverse.
China is one of the most diverse countries in the world. The enormous nation covers a huge range of peoples, cultures, languages, wildlife and nature. From the Gobi Desert desert to the Tibetan plateau, and from the Yangtze River to the mountains of Xinjiang, China is incredibly diverse. This diversity not only makes it a truly fascinating country, but also creates a unique dynamic within Chinese society.
…we are not trying to say that Japan is not diverse! However, the nation lacks the huge range of diversity that China has. Japan is more mono-cultural. It’s also a much smaller country, and so lacks the range of scenes, tundra and wildlife that China has.
There are lots of people that really like Japan for its ability to retain its unique culture. However, there is no arguing that the incredible diversity across China is truly impressive. For many, this makes it a better country.
4. China Is Militarily Stronger Than Japan
Another reason why China is better than Japan is because it’s military is much stronger.
China has the largest armed forces in the world. With over two million soldiers, China dominates East Asia militarily. It is also becoming a global military superpower. China is investing heavily in military innovations and is fast developing one of the most technologically advanced armed forces in the world.
Japan is militarily weak, by global standards. Although the country retains around 250,000 active military personnel, the nation cannot be considered a major military power. Many nations, and many people within Japan, feel the country’s armed forces should remain contained following the Japan’s aggression in the 1930s and 40s. However, even with this considered, Japan has a small military for a nation of its size and economic strength.
The simple fact that China has a much stronger military than Japan is, for many people, a major reason why the country is better.
5. China Has Greater Global Influence Than Japan
One reason why many consider China to be better than Japan is because the country has massive global influence.
As China rose in recent decades to become a major global economy, so it’s international influence and prestige grew. China dominates global trade and commerce. The country is also a major manufacturing hub. This has allowed China to influence many aspects of the global economy. China is also adept at using soft power and building allegiances. The country uses loans and financial aid to poorer countries, especially in Africa and South Asia, to further increase its influence.
Japan does not have the same global reach as China. Although the country is adept at using soft power, and especially promotes its culture abroad, Japan lacks the network of allegiances that China has.
Many may prefer that Japan does not use its economic leverage to dominate poorer countries, however it cannot be denied that China’s enormous global influence gives the country a major advantage.
6. China Could Be Seen As More Politically Stable Than Japan
A final way that China could be better than Japan is because it is more politically stable.
One major advantage that China has is because of its totalitarianism and tightly controlled political system, it is able to ensure stability. Leaders in China are able to better plan for the future, and ensure a degree of coherence across economic and social policies. This has massively benefited China in recent decades and looks set to ensure the country remains a major global power going forward.
Japan, like all democracies, changes governments regularly. There is also an ideological battle between political parties of different sides. This means that when governments change, there are shifts in policies and the country’s direction.
Many would argue that a country, such as Japan, is better off as a democracy, even if that means sacrificing a degree of political stability. However, there are others that argue that China’s meteoritic economic rise shows the value of long-term political control. People on this side of the argument often say that this is one reason why China is better than Japan.