The Economic, Military, and Cultural Influence of the US vs. China: Who's Winning?

The Lowy Institute, a think tank, has scored several sectors—ranging from economic and military strength to cultural influence—for the two major powers, the United States (US) and China, in 2023.

The online report, *Lowy Institute Asia Power Index 2023 Edition*, assesses at least eight sectors.

In the economic capability sector, the Lowy Institute gave the US a score of 88 out of 100. This is only slightly higher than China's score of 87.

The economic sector indicators comprise national income based on GDP purchasing power parity; international networks for enhancing financial, legal, and overseas sanctions power; technology; and capital flows and physical infrastructure.

In the military strength sector, the US is far superior with a score of 90.7 points, while China scored 68.1 points. Military indicators include conventional military strength; defense budget allocation; personnel; weaponry; capabilities, tactics, and war strategies.

(See also: [Countries with the Best Military Strength Scores in 2023](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/datapublish/2023/02/20/negara-negara-dengan-skor-kekuatan-militer-terbaik-pada-2023))

Next, in resilience capability, the US scored 83.3 points and China 70.4 points. Resilience indicators include internal stability; security resources, primarily energy; and geo-economic and geopolitical security.

In the future resources sector, the US received 75.9 points, not far from China's 72.9 points. Indicators in this sector include economic resources in 2030; defense resources in 2030; and demographics in 2050.

For the economic relations sector, China soared with a score of 98.3 points, significantly ahead of the US, which only obtained 53.7 points. Indicators in this sector are regional trade and investment relations, and economic diplomacy.

In the defense network sector, the US remains dominant with a score of 84.6 points, far surpassing China's 23.7 points. Indicators include defense alliances and diplomacy, and global defense partnerships.

However, in diplomatic influence, China scored higher with 91.5 points, while the US scored 89.3 points. This sector comprises diplomatic networks; multilateral strength; and foreign policy.

Finally, in cultural influence, the US won with a score of 80.9 points, while China scored 47.4 points. Indicators include cultural projection; the flow of information; and people-to-people exchanges in various regions.

The US dominated in defense and security sectors. Conversely, China excelled in economic relations and international diplomacy.

Overall, the US received 80.7 points, while China received 72.5 points.

"The United States ranks 1st out of 26 powers comprehensively, with an overall score of 80.7 out of 100. China ranks 2nd out of 26 comprehensive powers, with a score of 72.5," wrote the Lowy Institute on its website.

(See also: [Indonesia is More Exposed to China's Influence Than the United States](https://databoks.katadata.co.id/index.php/datapublish/2023/05/26/lowy-institute-2022-indonesia-lebih-banyak-terpapar-pengaruh-tiongkok-daripada-amerika-serikat))