China's navy surpasses US in number of combat ships

In recent years, China has rapidly expanded its military capabilities, particularly its naval power. By the end of 2024, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) had increased its fleet to 370 combat ships, surpassing the United States, which has 297 combat ships despite having a higher total tonnage with its 11 aircraft carriers. The development of these naval assets has been characterized by a frenzied pace, as evidenced by the recent launch of a 260-meter amphibious assault ship on December 27, 2024, showcasing China's commitment to modernizing its naval fleet. This strategic expansion is occurring against a backdrop of rising military spending, which reached $296 billion in 2023, comprising about 32% of the United States' military budget of $916 billion. This disparity is attributed to the significant deployment of US forces globally, which differentiates its strategy from China's. Despite the ongoing challenge of recruiting qualified young personnel and grappling with issues of inexperienced forces, the rapid production of naval vessels indicates an ambition to reshape the international military landscape. The United States recognizes that China represents a formidable challenge to its military dominance, as articulated in the 2022 National Defense Strategy, which describes China as the only nation attempting to reorder the existing global order through its combined economic, diplomatic, and military strategies. To this end, China has invested heavily in the modernization of its armed forces and naval capabilities, aiming to position itself as a leader on the global military stage.