How many people in China own guns?

Asked by: Ladarius Rutherford  |  Last update: June 7, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (2 votes)

Very few civilians own guns in China because private possession is generally prohibited, with strict laws allowing firearms mainly for military, police, and specific security/transport personnel, though estimates place China third globally for total civilian/illicit firearms (around 49.7 million in 2017) due to its massive population, but this reflects a near-zero per capita rate for private citizens compared to the West.

How many Chinese people own guns?

China, the world's second most populous country, comes third in the ranking with 49.7 million, followed by Pakistan (43.9 million) and Russia (17.6 million). This chart shows the estimated number of civilian-held legal and illicit firearms in 2017.

What country owns the most guns?

The United States has the highest rate of civilian gun ownership by a significant margin, with over 120 guns per 100 residents, meaning more firearms than people, followed distantly by countries like Yemen, Kurdistan, and Falkland Islands in terms of per capita figures, while countries like India and China have large total numbers but lower per capita rates, according to data from the Small Arms Survey and other sources.
 

Can you legally own a firearm in China?

With the exception of individuals with hunting permits and some ethnic minorities, civilian firearm ownership is restricted to non-individual entities. Law enforcement, military, paramilitary, and security personnel are allowed to use firearms. Police are to use issued pistols only to stop serious or dangerous crimes.

Do cops in China carry guns?

Their police forces commonly adopt a philosophy of policing by consent. In China, police also do not carry guns on standard patrol. A survey conducted in Great Britain in 2004 found that 47% of citizens supported arming all police while 48% were opposed to the idea.

Why is it illegal to own a gun in China?

41 related questions found

Is crime common in China?

China crime rate per 100K population for 2018 was 0.53, a 6.27% decline from 2017. China crime rate per 100K population for 2017 was 0.57, a 8.01% decline from 2016.

What is the most gun-friendly country?

The United States is widely considered the most gun-friendly country due to its Second Amendment, high civilian ownership (more guns than people), and relatively permissive laws, with other contenders including countries like Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Yemen, which offer easier access or constitutional rights to arms for self-defense or sport, despite varying regulations on types and carrying.
 

Is there any gun violence in China?

BEIJING--One person has died in an apparent shooting at an outdoor restaurant in the city of Wuhan in what would be a rare case of gun violence in China. A police statement said Monday that two other people were injured on Sunday night in what it called a case of “deliberate injury” resulting from a dispute.

Can you own guns in Russia?

Gun control in Russia is carried out in accordance with the Federal Law on Weapons. The law establishes three major categories of weapons: civil, service, and military. Civilians in Russia are able to obtain firearms with proper licensure, with some limits on concealed carry.

Can you own a gun in Japan?

Japan already has a legal system strictly regulating the manufacture, possession, and transfer of firearms including small arms and light weapons. In addition, as a nation dedicated to peace, Japan does not export arms. Civilian possession of firearms is about 400,000, or less than 0.5% of the total population.

Who is the most armed country in the world?

The United States is the most armed country in the world by a significant margin, boasting more civilian-owned firearms than people (over 120 guns per 100 residents) and holding nearly half of the world's civilian guns, far surpassing other nations like India, China, and Pakistan, though military strength varies by nation, with countries like Russia and China having large armed forces.
 

Does Switzerland have more guns per capita than America?

The basics

We have way, way more guns than any other country in the world in terms of stock (total number of guns) and per capita rate (number of guns per capita). Switzerland, often cited as rivaling American gun culture, has a civilian ownership rate less than one-quarter of ours.

How many guns does the average American own?

The average American owns between one and five firearms. Men are more likely than women to own more than one, and those with only one firearm typically have a handgun or pistol. 62% of gun owners with only one firearm have a handgun. 66% of gun owners have more than one firearm.

Which US state has the most guns?

Texas has the most guns by total number, often exceeding one million registered firearms, followed by Florida and Virginia, though this reflects large populations; when considering ownership rate (percentage of households or residents), states like Montana, Wyoming, and West Virginia consistently rank highest, with Montana often leading.
 

When did China ban guns?

The historical claim that “Mao Zedong banned civilian firearms and then 49 million people died” is grounded in real events, though it simplifies a very complex history. Mao did implement a stringent gun ban — by the late 1950s, civilians in China were thoroughly disarmed by law and force.

Can you own a gun in Taiwan?

In Taiwan the possession of firearms is strictly forbidden. Font Size: S. M.

Can you own a gun in Ukraine?

Citizens are permitted to own non-fully automatic rifles and shotguns as long as they are stored properly when not in use. Handguns are illegal except for target shooting, those who hold concealed carry permits, and handguns awarded for service.

Is AK-47 legal in Russia?

Russia has rather restrictive gun control laws. The best common people can hope for, is a hunting rifle or a pistol. Real good weapons, like variants of Kalashnikov rifle, including AKS, are restricted to the military and some law enforcement units.

Can citizens own guns in China?

In some countries, like China, Japan, Venezuela and Myanmar, only people that are abled and trained and are meeting narrow conditions are allowed to own firearms, and few licenses are issued.

Do Chinese police carry guns?

Chinese police officers generally do not carry firearms as a standard practice. In certain exceptional cases, such as SWAT teams or specialized units, Chinese police officers may be armed.

Is gun legal in Korea?

Carrying, transporting, or using firearms other than as specifically permitted by law is prohibited, with certain exceptions. Furthermore, remodeling firearms for the purpose of altering their firepower to that other than originally permitted by law is prohibited (art. 17).

Why is crime so low in China?

The People's Republic of China (PRC was established in 1949 and, from 1949 to 1956, underwent the process of transferring the means of production to common ownership. During this time, the new government worked to decrease the influence of criminal gangs and reduce the prevalence of narcotics and gambling.

Can Muslims own guns?

Sharia law. Under Sharia law, there is an intrinsic freedom to own arms.

What state is the least gun friendly?

The 10 States With the Strictest Gun Laws

  • New York.
  • Connecticut.
  • Hawaii.
  • New Jersey.
  • Maryland.
  • Massachusetts.
  • Washington.
  • Colorado.

Are guns legal in Italy?

To legally acquire firearms in Italy, individuals must obtain a "purchase authorization" (nulla osta all'acquisto). This authorization permits the holder to purchase and possess a firearm, but not to carry or use it.