Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said at a Senate defense hearing that China operates more than 11,000 merchant ships [1].
The disparity in fleet size suggests a significant imbalance in global logistics and maritime power. This gap could impact the ability of the U.S. to project power or maintain supply chains during a prolonged conflict.
Cao provided the testimony during a Senate defense hearing regarding the Navy’s 2027 authorization request. He highlighted the current state of American maritime assets, saying that the United States has only 188 U.S.-flagged merchant ships [1]. Additionally, the U.S. operates 105 Military Sealift Command vessels [1].
"We have a growing gap between American and Chinese maritime power," Cao said [1].
The Acting Navy Secretary used the hearing to stress the need for the U.S. to address this disparity. He said that while the U.S. maintains a sophisticated naval force, the sheer volume of China's merchant fleet provides a level of maritime prowess that the U.S. currently lacks.
"The United States currently has only 188 U.S.-flagged merchant ships and 105 Military Sealift Command vessels, while China operates more than 11,000 merchant ships," Cao said [1].
The testimony underscores a strategic concern within the Department of the Navy regarding the sustainability of long-range logistics. A smaller merchant fleet limits the options for transporting heavy equipment and supplies across the Pacific, a critical requirement for any potential engagement in the region.
“"We have a growing gap between American and Chinese maritime power."”
The admission by the Navy Secretary highlights a shift in maritime strategy, where the focus is expanding beyond combat warships to include the logistical backbone of trade and transport. A vast merchant fleet allows a nation to rapidly mobilize resources and sustain economic activity under pressure, meaning the U.S. may need to incentivize domestic shipbuilding to avoid a critical vulnerability in global logistics.
