China's Shipbuilding Dominance Highlights U.S. Naval Challenges

A new U.S. maritime office aims to address declining shipbuilding capabilities as China's naval fleet and industrial base continue to expand.

China's shipbuilding capacity is 232 times greater than that of the United States, with 35 shipyards tied to military projects compared to the U.S.'s four active naval shipyards.
The Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is the largest in the world, with over 370 ships and submarines, and is projected to grow to 425 vessels by 2030, surpassing the U.S. Navy's fleet of 300 ships.
President Trump has announced plans to establish an 'Office of Shipbuilding' within the National Security Council to revitalize both military and commercial shipbuilding in the United States.
A recent CSIS report highlights China's integration of military and commercial shipbuilding under its 'military-civil fusion' strategy, which has bolstered its naval capabilities and global shipbuilding market share.
Experts and lawmakers emphasize the need for U.S. policies to address labor shortages, high costs, and slow delivery in domestic shipbuilding, with some advocating for partnerships with allies like Japan and South Korea.