5 Most Powerful Countries in Asia in 2023

1. China

GDP Ranking: 1

Global Firepower Index Ranking: 2

CEO World Index Ranking: 1

Average Ranking: 1.3

China is the second most powerful country in the world after the US, and the most powerful in Asia. It has the biggest GDP size in the region and the country is considered the manufacturing hub of the world. 

China’s share in the global knowledge-and-technology-intensive industries’ output was 25% as of 2019, making the country extremely important on the global scene when it comes to technological progress. 

In terms of its military assets, the Chinese military operates nearly 5,000 tanks, 388 naval vessels, including two aircraft carriers and three helicopter carriers, and more than 3,000 aircraft, with fighters comprising just over 1,000 of them. China is another permanent member of the UN security council with veto power. In addition, it is an influential member of BRICS. 

Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily enewsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also take a peek at 25 Most Powerful Countries in Europe and 23 Most Powerful Countries in the World Heading into 2023.