Comparing Military Expenditure: China vs. United States

China exhibits elements of state ownership and capitalism, reminiscent of interwar regimes. It's authoritarian and fond of military display. However, despite the focus on military display, China's defense spending is actually lower than that of the US. While China is repressive, it's not as militarized as the United States. Both countries have nationalistic and patriotic tendencies, leading to a blurry comparison.