10 Most Powerful Countries in the World in 2023

2. China

Economic Strength Ranking: 2

Military Strength Ranking: 3

Political Influence Ranking: 5

Cultural Influence Ranking: 6

China is the second most powerful country in the world, and that comes as no surprise. It is also fast catching up on the United States and is the biggest challenge to Washington’s global dominance. China’s GDP is close to touching distance with $18 trillion. Militarily, it ranks 3rd. Beijing is one of the highest spenders on defense expenditure, having spent over $200 billion in 2022. China has also developed its own stealth fighter jet, the J-20A, to match the US in stealth. Chinese Yuan holds a 3% share as a global reserve currency, with at least 8 countries considering the option of trading with China in Yuan, instead of the U.S. Dollar. This is evidence of China’s growing political power. In terms of cultural influence, China ranks sixth in the world.