Key facts
- China's naval shipbuilding tonnage output in 2024-2025 was more than double that of the US.
- US retains advantages in submarine technology, aircraft carriers, and operational experience.
Mainland Chinese shipyards delivered more than twice as much naval tonnage as their US counterparts in 2024 and 2025, according to a new survey. Analysts caution that tonnage alone is an imperfect measure of naval power, pointing to ongoing US advantages in submarine technology, aircraft carriers, and operational experience. The growing production gap could weigh heavily in a prolonged conflict over Taiwan.