April 17, 2024

How China’s $100B+ Shipbuilding Empire Dominates the U.S.’s

China has transformed into a shipbuilding powerhouse over the past two decades, cementing its status as a major maritime power. In 2023, more than half of the world’s commercial shipbuilding came from China, while the U.S. accounted for less than 1%.

WSJ takes a look at the strategies that led to this growth and examines where the U.S. stands as naval competition heats up.

Tom Shugart joins to discuss. Watch the full interview with The Wall Street Journal.

  • Commentary

    Defense

    From Innovation Ecosystem to Industrial Base

    Introduction America’s defense technology boom is real. Venture-backed firms building in artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, space, and advanced manufacturing are winning ...

    By Brian Katz

    • May 14, 2026
  • Podcast

    Defense / Technology & National Security

    WarTalk: Iran War with Jack Shanahan

    The “love tap” White House readout. A failed convoy operation. KSA pulling overflight rights. Iran with 70% of its missile force still intact. And one F-15E shoot-down from ab...

    By Lt. Gen. Jack Shanahan & Jordan Schneider

    • May 11, 2026
  • Podcast

    Defense

    Numbers Matter

    Among the many lessons of Ukraine and the Iran war is the role of small, distributed air and missile defenses, whether using — or defending against — missiles or drones. Dr. S...

    By Stacie Pettyjohn

    • May 8, 2026
  • Commentary

    Defense

    Experts Make Their Picks for Acquisition Reform Litmus Tests

    If the department cannot pass these easy tests, there is little reason to believe it will do well on the harder ones....

    By Stacie Pettyjohn

    • National Defense Magazine
    • May 5, 2026

View All Reports View All Articles & Multimedia