As China modernises its navy, the US races to stay ahead

Lawmakers in the United States are making a strategic push to revive its shipbuilding industry through the “Save Our Shipyards Act”, signalling a renewed focus on maritime strength amid growing geopolitical competition. This effort reflects increasing concerns over China’s expanding naval capabilities, Russia’s Arctic defence fortification and the importance of securing global trade routes and strategic chokepoints.

China’s naval build-up has turned the Indo-Pacific into a key strategic priority for US planners. According to the US Defence Department, the Chinese navy operates the world’s largest fleet with an overall battle force of about 350 combat vessels, including advanced aircraft carriers, destroyers and submarines. This growing blue-water capability is seen as a significant challenge to US maritime dominance in the Pacific and beyond.

Russia, meanwhile, has strengthened its military presence in the Arctic, reopening Soviet-era bases and deploying new submarines to the glacial region. Moscow’s modernisation of its Northern Fleet reflects its strategy to control Arctic shipping routes and secure its resource claims.