For the first time, Chinese people can expect to be healthy longer than Americans, according to the most recent data from the World Health Organization, even though Americans are still expected to live about two years longer than Chinese citizens.

Expand chart Data: World Health Organization; Chart: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios

Between the lines: Since 2010, the healthy life expectancy for Americans has dropped by 0.2 years, but for Chinese people it has increased by more than one whole year. Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, told Axios that as China's economy continues to boom, its people are pursuing healthier lifestyles. She added that obesity and drug use are not as common in China.