The article discusses how the United States is attempting to strengthen its naval power to counter China’s growing influence at sea, focusing on revitalizing its shipbuilding industry and addressing weaknesses in merchant shipping. President Trump’s strategies include expressing concerns about China’s control over the Panama Canal, as well as ambitions regarding Greenland. The importance of the Arctic region in military strategy is also highlighted, revealing the competitive landscape between the U.S. and China.

The United States maintains its status as the preeminent naval power globally; however, it recognizes the need to enhance its maritime presence to counter growing Chinese influence at sea. Analysts indicate that while the US holds military superiority, it lags in areas like merchant shipping and shipbuilding, which are critical in asserting dominance. The US, under President Trump, aims to revitalize its nautical construction, focusing on both commercial and military sectors.

Trump has expressed concerns over China’s control over the Panama Canal and its ambitions regarding Greenland, which is rich in untapped resources. His administration’s plans include imposing taxes on Chinese vessels entering US ports to protect American interests. This newfound emphasis on naval power, according to researcher Sophie Quintin, resembles a return to “navalism,” a strategy advocated by 19th-century naval officer Alfred Mahan, yet it could also be catering to Trump’s populist support base.

China’s understanding and expansion of sea power pose a considerable challenge to the United States, as noted by Nick Childs from the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Beijing’s investments in global maritime infrastructure and its growing shipping companies are viewed as direct threats. Key state-owned firms, such as COSCO and China Merchant Ports, significantly impact operations at vital chokepoints, which aligns with China’s Maritime Silk Road initiative.

Despite Washington’s worries about Chinese maritime advancements, it is essential to delink them from simplistic interpretations of China’s strategy. Paul Tourret from ISEM emphasizes that Chinese firms primarily operate based on financial logic, catering to American demand. Nevertheless, US pressure appears to be effective; Hutchison Port Holdings recently agreed to sell off its Panama Canal ports to a US-led consortium, claiming the decision was purely commercial.

The strength of the US Navy stands in stark contrast to its declining merchant fleet, as highlighted by Quintin. Aging commercial vessels could adversely affect military transport capabilities, while the shipbuilding sector experiences a significant crisis. Industry experts note that the US lacks the rapid building capacity and advanced know-how found in other nations like Japan and South Korea.

Trump’s aspirations concerning Greenland and Canada are interpreted as efforts to reclaim maritime dominance as melting Arctic ice opens new avenues for exploration and navigation. This geopolitical shift has captured the attention of multiple national interests, including those of China and Russia. The Arctic will be vital for military capabilities, especially missile-launching submarines, yet the US is reportedly falling behind, with a limited operational capacity in icebreaker vessels compared to China’s.

In summary, the United States is actively seeking to reinforce its maritime presence amid escalating competition from China. While it maintains superior military capabilities, deficiencies in merchant shipping and shipbuilding necessitate urgent attention. President Trump’s strategies, whether politically motivated or genuinely strategic, signal a shift toward renewed navalism. The importance of Arctic exploration and navigation adds another layer to the U.S.-China rivalry in maritime affairs.

Original Source: www.france24.com

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