“They’re Running Out”: US Desperation Grows as Allies Urged to Rebuild Navy Against China’s Explosive Maritime Expansion

The decline of American naval power has become a significant concern for the United States. Over the past three decades, the U.S. Navy has seen a reduction in its fleet from 471 to 295 ships. Despite having a formidable array of aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines, the U.S. dominance is challenged by China’s growing influence. In response, the United States plans to expand its fleet to 390 ships by 2054, requiring substantial annual investments of $40 billion. The pressing question is how this strategy can be effectively implemented amidst significant industrial and financial challenges.

The Urgent Need for a Swift Response to China

The rapid expansion of China’s naval capabilities presents a considerable strategic challenge for the United States. As of 2024, China had reportedly placed around 1,700 shipbuilding orders, starkly contrasting with the mere five orders from U.S. shipyards. This disparity underscores the urgent need for Washington to act decisively. Former President Trump had underscored his commitment to reversing this trend, setting a 210-day deadline to rejuvenate American civilian shipbuilding. The “Make Shipbuilding Great Again” initiative aimed to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry, a crucial step in rebalancing global naval power.

Simultaneously, the U.S. is seeking partnerships with foreign allies to bridge the technological and industrial gap. Companies from South Korea, Japan, and Australia have shown interest in aiding the modernization and expansion of the American fleet. This international collaboration may offer a stopgap solution, yet it also highlights the growing U.S. reliance on allies to maintain naval supremacy.

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Underlying Causes of the Decline in Supremacy

The decline in American naval supremacy can be traced back to the economic policies of the 1980s. Under the Reagan administration, economic liberalization led to a gradual withdrawal of state support, leaving American shipyards vulnerable to fierce international competition. Foreign competitors, buoyed by substantial government subsidies, gradually eclipsed the American industry. This dynamic resulted in a significant decline in U.S. competitiveness on the global stage.

Moreover, budget priorities often favored other military branches or non-defense projects, limiting resources allocated to the U.S. Navy. This led to chronic underfunding, adversely affecting the maintenance and modernization of the existing fleet. Reclaiming naval supremacy will necessitate a profound reevaluation of these economic and budgetary policies.

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The Strategy for Modernization and Expansion

To achieve the ambitious goal of a 390-ship fleet by 2054, the U.S. Navy must employ a robust strategy of modernization and expansion. This entails not only significant financial investments but also an innovative approach to shipbuilding. The integration of cutting-edge technologies and enhancement of production processes will be crucial for improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Collaborations with foreign enterprises can provide valuable expertise and expedite the modernization process. However, it is vital for the U.S. to concurrently develop its internal capabilities to avoid long-term dependency. Emphasis should be placed on training and skill development to ensure that American shipyards can compete on the global stage. The path to regaining naval supremacy involves significant industrial and technological transformation.

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An Uncertain Future for American Naval Power

The challenge of restoring American naval power is immense and multifaceted. Efforts to increase the fleet to 390 ships face numerous obstacles, including financial and industrial challenges. The question remains whether the United States can overcome these hurdles and reassert its maritime dominance. Success in this endeavor will hinge on the ability to mobilize necessary resources, establish effective strategic partnerships, and reform economic and industrial policies.

As the U.S. strives to close the gap, the balance of global naval forces remains uncertain. How can the U.S. Navy adapt to these rapid changes and maintain its position against a rising China?

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