Concerns Rise as China Takes the Lead in Global Shipbuilding, Prompting Bipartisan Legislative Response

FIRST ON FOX: China’s significant lead in global shipbuilding is raising alarms in Washington, D.C., with new legislation in the works aimed at addressing the issue.

Bipartisan Action in Response to Threats

A bipartisan coalition of military veterans currently serving in the House of Representatives, including Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.), Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.), and Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.), is launching a bill designed to revitalize the struggling U.S. commercial ship sector.

Green emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “This is no drill. A fundamental pillar of America’s security, our naval supremacy, is under threat from Communist China.” These remarks highlight a growing concern about China’s expanding naval capabilities.

China’s Naval Expansion

China’s Navy has overtaken the United States, now boasting approximately 350 naval vessels compared to America’s 280. Green noted, “China has used its fleet to erode freedom of navigation, harass civilian ships, and intimidate our allies.” He underscored the necessity of robust investment in the U.S. maritime industrial base, which includes not only commercial shipbuilders but also military shipyards and their supply chains.

The upcoming legislation seeks to create a National Commission on the Maritime Industrial Base tasked with investigating the current state of American maritime industries, both military and commercial. Its objective is to formulate actionable policy and legislative recommendations to rejuvenate U.S. shipyards.

Addressing Economic Challenges in Shipbuilding

Kiggans asserted the importance of shipbuilding for her coastal Virginia district’s economy, stating, “However, due to workforce and supply chain issues, our maritime industrial base is struggling to keep pace with growing global threats.” According to her, the establishment of this Commission is a vital step towards identifying the challenges faced by shipyards and enhancing the capability to build and maintain a world-class fleet.

Davis echoed these sentiments, affirming the necessity for collaboration between public and private sectors to strengthen the maritime industrial base. He stated, “Shipbuilding is vital for our national security.” This collective approach aims to bolster U.S. readiness amid increasing global maritime challenges.

The Bipartisan Nature of Competition with China

U.S. competition with China remains one of the most bipartisan issues in Congress, thriving even in a climate of hyper-partisanship. Meanwhile, China’s grip on the global shipbuilding market is significant, commanding almost 47%. This overwhelming figure underscores the urgent need for U.S. legislators to take robust action.

South Korea and Japan follow China, holding roughly 29% and 17% of the market, respectively. In stark contrast, the United States’ share is a mere 0.13%. A concerning report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that a single Chinese shipbuilder produced more tonnage in 2024 than the entire U.S. output since World War II, further illustrating the alarming dynamics of the global shipbuilding industry.

Visions for the Future of U.S. Shipbuilding

Legislators are committed to reversing this trend through informed policy and constructive dialogue. They believe that reinvesting in U.S. shipbuilding capabilities is paramount not only for economic means but also for safeguarding national interests. By fostering a resilient maritime industrial base, lawmakers hope to ensure that the United States remains competitive and secure in the face of rising global challenges.

As the discussions progress, the implications of this legislative effort could set a precedent for future actions regarding U.S. industrial capabilities. Addressing national security concerns alongside economic factors remains a priority as these representatives work towards formulating recommendations and potential solutions.

Charting a Strong Maritime Future

Overall, the ongoing legislative initiatives signify a critical step forward in fortifying the United States’ position in global maritime affairs. As lawmakers unite across the aisle to confront the complexities of this issue, the future of U.S. shipbuilding will depend heavily on strategic actions taken today. Only through a renewed commitment to strengthening the naval workforce, improving supply chain logistics, and investing in new technologies can the U.S. hope to compete effectively with China’s expanding naval power.