China’s Navy Is Now the Largest In the World After Overtaking U.S

China has beaten the US to become the nation with the largest naval fleet in the world, making Britain a shadow of its previous self. This represents an enormous shift in the balance of maritime power. China’s shipyards, which reputedly boast a capacity of over 21 million gross tons, represent its growing naval prowess. This is far larger than the mere 100,000 predicted for the US.

South Korea and Japan are expected to help reduce this marine capability gap. The Economist reports that between 1999 and 2018, there was a sharp fall in European navies, with a 28 per cent reduction in submarines and a 32 per cent reduction in frigates and destroyers.

This happens at a time when worldwide dependence on maritime trade has grown to unimaginable levels — roughly 80 per cent of the world’s trade in terms of volume and 50% in terms of value carried out through sea routes. Recent shifts in geopolitics show the susceptibility of maritime lanes to disruption. The COVID-19 epidemic, Ever Given’s blockade of the Suez Canal, Russia’s war on Ukraine in 2022, and the Houthi missile attacks in the Red Sea are just a few instances of this.

Each of these incidents highlighted the potential effects of disruptions to international shipping. It is speculated that China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea, which has intimidated neighbouring nations with militarized fishing fleets, signal a new era of advanced naval preparedness. In response, the US deployed an aircraft carrier to engage in cooperative drills with the Philippines, signalling a change in strategy toward becoming prepared to face potential naval conflicts.

There is a noticeable trend towards more extensive and efficient armed ships as countries plan to return to a more aggressive naval environment. The recent AUKUS deal involving the US, the UK, and Australia underscores the growing emphasis on maritime firepower. Specialists suggest that very high-intensity naval warfare is a focal point today, with larger vessels and advanced weaponry being highly prioritized. The prospect of a blockade in the event of a conflict in Asia, such as over Taiwan, is a rising concern.

Reports indicate that such a blockade, mainly if enforced by China, could have broad implications for the result of the conflict in question. In such an evolving naval landscape, questions regarding the readiness and capabilities of existing naval forces come up. The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine remind how naval power can be employed strategically in significant conflicts, emphasizing the importance of an adaptable and robust maritime strategy in the face of increasing geopolitical uncertainties.

Reference: defencepk

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