Charting a New Course: Countering China's Dominance in Global Shipbuilding

The House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans held a hearing on July 17, 2026, titled "Charting a New Course: Countering China's Dominance in Global Shipbuilding." The meeting focused extensively on the challenges posed by China's overwhelming control of the global shipbuilding industry, which accounts for over 50% of commercial shipbuilding capacity compared to less than 0.1% for the U.S. Members discussed the national security risks of relying on Chinese shipyards, which also support military shipbuilding through dual-use infrastructure. The hearing emphasized the need to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base through increased workforce training, investment in modern shipyards, and leveraging alliances with South Korea and Japan. Legislative proposals such as the Fleets Now Act and the Ships for America Act were highlighted as mechanisms to foster multilateral cooperation, foreign direct investment, and workforce development. Witnesses and members discussed strategies including targeted tariffs, export controls, and coordinated allied efforts to counter China's predatory financing and state subsidies. The importance of building new greenfield shipyards, modernizing existing facilities, and integrating advanced manufacturing technologies like AI and nuclear propulsion were also addressed. The hearing underscored the necessity of a long-term, multidecade approach involving demand signals, supply chain security, and maritime infrastructure resilience to restore U.S. competitiveness and secure maritime supply chains against geopolitical risks.