A new battle is underway, both beneath the waves and above the surface. China’s rapidly expanding navy is challenging the United States, which has been the dominant maritime power for decades. This expansion presents a direct challenge to the US, raising questions about whether this rivalry will remain confined to the seas or escalate into a major geopolitical shift in the Indo-Pacific region. The implications of a potential clash between these two superpowers extend to countries like India and the broader Indo-Pacific. This article delves into the escalating naval race between China and the United States, the underlying geopolitical tensions, and the potential impact on India.
Located on the Yellow Sea coast, Dalian’s Suoyuwan Park has become a center for China’s naval ambitions. Massive shipyards here construct new warships and commercial vessels monthly. For strategists in Washington, Dalian has become a symbol of the growing threat, as it is the hub where China continuously strengthens its maritime power. According to maritime affairs expert Nick Childs from the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London, the scale of construction is ‘unbelievable and astonishing’. China’s shipbuilding capacity is 200 times that of the United States, indicating China’s advancement in both speed and technology. China’s maritime strength extends beyond warships, significantly impacting global trade. China’s shipyards received orders for over 60% of the world’s ships this year, making it the world’s largest shipbuilding hub. China controls seven of the world’s ten busiest ports, acting as the nerve center of international trade and supply chains. This advantage strengthens China economically and strategically, enabling it to dictate terms in global sea lanes.
China’s naval fleet continues to grow with Beijing’s ambitions. Under President Xi Jinping, China has built the world’s largest navy and firmly asserted its claims in the South China Sea and beyond. For Xi Jinping, maritime dominance is a crucial part of the ‘China Dream’. He aims for China to set maritime rules, not just in Asia, but globally. Over the past 15 years, China has expanded its navy at an astonishing rate. In 2010, China had approximately 220 warships, and by 2024, this number had surpassed 370. The US Department of Defense estimates that this number could reach 475 in the next ten years. China now has three aircraft carriers: Liaoning, Shandong, and the newest, Fujian, which is built entirely with domestic technology.
China is not only increasing the number of ships but also incorporating advanced missile systems, drones, and warships equipped with artificial intelligence. The Type 055 destroyer, one of the world’s most lethal warships, has become a symbol of pride for the Chinese fleet. While China leads in naval expansion, the United States maintains its technological and experiential advantage. The US possesses 11 supercarriers, a number unmatched by any other country. However, China’s numerical growth and aggressive diplomacy have caused concern in the US. Recently, the US and Chinese warships confronted each other in the South China Sea, and heated radio communications between the two countries went viral. The US continues ‘Freedom of Navigation Operations’ to challenge China’s claims. Since 2010, China has launched an average of 10-12 new warships annually. In 2016, the International Court ruled against China in the South China Sea, but China refused to comply. China has increased its military presence around the Paracel and Spratly Islands in 2023-24, resulting in clashes with the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In May 2025, China’s use of water cannons against Philippine supply boats drew international criticism. The Indo-Pacific has become the world’s largest geopolitical hotspot. China’s assertiveness has made Japan, Australia, the Philippines, and India vigilant. The Indo-Pacific accounts for over 50% of global trade annually, with India playing a significant role. India has taken significant steps to modernize its navy. The commissioning of INS Vikrant in 2024 has given India two aircraft carriers. The Indian Navy’s strength has increased with the P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Scorpene-class submarines, and BrahMos missiles. The QUAD (India, US, Japan, and Australia) alliance is active in countering China. In June 2025, QUAD held the ‘Malabar Naval Exercise,’ involving the navies of all countries. This sent a strong message to China that no single country will dominate the Indo-Pacific.
