China’s Navy Grows Rapidly: Insights from Thomas Shugart and Emma Salisbury

China is building naval ships at an incredible speed, making its navy, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), larger than the US Navy in terms of the number of ships. Thomas Shugart, a Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security, highlighted this during a webinar by the Brookings Institute. He warned that China’s aggressive approach could lead to conflicts.

Shipbuilding Capacity

Using satellite images, Shugart showed China’s impressive shipbuilding capabilities. At Huludao, China builds nuclear-powered submarines, including the new Type 093B. Dalian Shipyard is constructing five Type 052DL destroyers, while Lushun Shipyard has a new advanced corvette. Shanghai’s Jiangmen Shipyard is expected to build the next Type 004 aircraft carrier.

Dual-Use Shipyards

Shugart noted that Western companies fund many of these shipyards, which build both civilian and naval ships. This dual-use approach makes Chinese shipyards highly efficient. For example, Hudong Shipyard in Shanghai is building three frigates and a Type 076 landing helicopter dock ship optimized for drone operations.

Global Impact

Emma Salisbury from the Council on Geostrategy pointed out that China’s shipbuilding rate is unmatched globally. She described the PLAN as the second most capable blue-water navy after the US. China aims to transform its military into a world-class force by 2049, the centenary of the People’s Republic.

Strategic Goals

China views the First Island Chain, dominated by US allies, as a barrier to its access to the Pacific Ocean. Controlling areas like Taiwan and the Senkaku Islands is crucial for China’s defense and access to high seas. The China Coast Guard, the largest maritime law enforcement fleet, often supports the PLAN in regional disputes.

Future Projections

Shugart predicted that by 2035, the PLAN could match the US Navy in ship tonnage. He suggested that the US consider building ships in Japan or South Korea to keep up. While China lacks allies, it has vassals like Cambodia, where Chinese corvettes have been stationed.

Submarine Capabilities

Shugart noted differences between American and Chinese submarines but warned that future Chinese models like the Type 095 could be more advanced. He emphasized that the effectiveness of submarines depends on how well they achieve defense objectives.

Global Operations

China has been sending naval task forces to the Gulf of Aden for 16 years, not just to combat piracy but to practice blue-water operations. This indicates China’s ambition to expand its naval reach beyond regional waters.

China’s Navy -: China’s Navy is the part of China’s military that operates in the sea. They have ships, submarines, and other sea vessels to protect their country and interests.

Thomas Shugart -: Thomas Shugart is an expert who studies military and naval forces. He talks about how different countries build and use their navies.

Emma Salisbury -: Emma Salisbury is another expert who studies military strategies and technologies. She helps explain how countries like China plan their military growth.

Brookings Institute -: The Brookings Institute is a place where smart people study and talk about important issues like politics, economics, and security. They hold meetings and webinars to share their ideas.

webinar -: A webinar is like an online class or seminar where people can listen to experts talk about a topic and sometimes ask questions.

PLAN -: PLAN stands for People’s Liberation Army Navy, which is the name of China’s Navy. They are responsible for protecting China’s interests in the sea.

dual-use shipyards -: Dual-use shipyards are places where ships are built that can be used for both military and civilian purposes. This helps China build more ships quickly.

China Coast Guard -: The China Coast Guard is a part of China’s maritime forces that helps protect the country’s waters, enforce laws, and assist in rescue operations.

ship tonnage -: Ship tonnage is a way to measure the size and carrying capacity of ships. It helps compare the strength of different navies.