China's shipbuilding capacity has far outpaced that of the United States, reaching a staggering 232 times greater, raising concerns about U.S. naval dominance.
Could Challenge American Vessels
While the U.S. Navy is still recognized for its technological superiority, China's rapid advancements in warship design and production are shifting the balance of power at sea, according to Ziare.
According to a report by the Alliance for American Manufacturing, China’s shipbuilding capability dwarfs that of the U.S., and its modernization efforts are turning its warships into increasingly advanced platforms that could challenge American vessels in combat.
China's military expansion comes amid a growing strategic partnership with Russia, which has pledged to share advanced submarine propulsion technology with Beijing, a move previously avoided.
Outnumbering U.S. Navy
The rise of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) isn’t just about numbers but also sophistication. Projections suggest that PLAN could grow to 435 ships by 2030, significantly outnumbering the U.S. Navy's current fleet of around 300 vessels.
This numerical and technological gap could limit America's ability to project naval power near Chinese waters, weakening the deterrence effect that U.S. ships currently hold.
Although U.S. warships maintain a technical edge in radar, missile defense, and electronic warfare, these advantages are becoming less significant as China develops new technologies.
Notably, China's anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) systems, designed to target U.S. aircraft carriers, raise questions about the future of American carrier production, as these vessels may become increasingly vulnerable.
