5 Most Powerful Countries in the World Heading into 2023

2. China

Political-Influence Ranking: 2

Military-Strength Ranking: 2

GNI Per Capita Ranking: 8

Cultural-Influence Ranking: 7

China is fast becoming the biggest challenger to the United States. It is the second biggest economic and military power in the world. Its GNI Per Capita is $72,000 as of 2021. In terms of political influence, the country holds sway in the region and beyond through development programs and other investments. 

The country also has a number of cultural exports that reflect its soft power. These include its cuisine, which is found virtually everywhere in the world, its martial-arts sports like Kung Fu and its ancient philosophies like Confucianism and Taoism.