- Retired Admiral James Stavridis emphasizes the need for the US Navy to expand its fleet to keep up with China’s growing naval forces.
- China’s shipbuilding capacity is 232 times greater than that of the US, and it currently possesses the largest navy in the world with over 355 vessels.
- Stavridis advocates for the US Navy to have around 350 ships, highlighting the importance of quantity in ensuring a safe neighborhood and protecting US interests.
Additional Coverage:
- A retired admiral says the US needs to start building boats fast because China’s going to outpace the US Navy in no time (businessinsider.com)
Retired US Navy Admiral James Stavridis has emphasized the need for the US Navy to expand its fleet in order to keep up with China’s naval forces. Stavridis, speaking on “The Cats Roundtable” radio show, highlighted that the sheer number of Chinese ships will continue to surpass the US, stating, “You don’t have to be a Nobel Prize-winning mathematician to realize the number of Chinese ships is going to continue to outpace us.”
Leaked US Navy intelligence in July revealed that China’s shipbuilding capacity is 232 times greater than that of the US. China currently possesses the largest navy in the world, with over 355 vessels in its fleet, according to a 2021 US Navy Institute report. In contrast, the US has a smaller fleet of 296 ships, according to a 2021 report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
While the US may have more experience in naval operations, Stavridis emphasized that quantity holds its own significance, stating, “We have a lot more experience, but quantity has a quality on its own.” He advocated for the expansion of the US Navy to around 350 ships, highlighting the importance of having a capable military force to ensure a safe neighborhood.
Stavridis has previously commented on the naval capabilities of the US and China. In an interview on “The Michael Medved Show,” he suggested that although China is constructing a massive fleet and acting aggressively, it is not yet ready to challenge the US Pacific Fleet. Stavridis further emphasized that the strength of US military alliances, including countries like Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand, would neutralize any potential Chinese offensive. He stated, “That’s a lot of firepower when you kind of put it all together.”
Representatives for Stavridis have not responded to requests for comments from Business Insider.