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RealClearDefense published a timely opinion piece by maritime industry leader, Steve Carmel,  who warned that China doesn’t want to lead just on AI; it has similar designs on dominating the seas through a massive investment in its navy and merchant fleet.

Most concerningly, Capt. Carmel, president of U.S. Marine Management (USMMI) and a former member of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Congressional Board of Visitors, is correct.

Carmel points out that China is producing over 1,700 ships annually, while the U.S.’s yearly production is fewer than five. Despite this, the U.S. continues to lose ground in critical shipbuilding and logistics sectors. The lack of U.S. commercial shipbuilding infrastructure and logistics capacity poses a serious threat to national security, especially in light of China’s ability to repurpose commercial shipping for military purposes.

To counter this major imbalance, the U.S. must urgently invest in shipbuilding, revitalize port and logistics infrastructure, and expand mariner training, especially at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, whose service obligated graduates make up over 80% of the USN’s cadre of Strategic Sealift Officers. If leaders in DC do not act now, China’s maritime strength could shift the global balance of power, undermining the U.S.’s ability to project military power and protect vital interests.