Nancy Mace Questions Military Officials on US Shipbuilding vs. China's Naval Expansion

Strategic Importance of the Indo-Pacific

• 🌏 The Indo-Pacific region is strategically critical to the United States, facing challenges from China's rapid military expansion, technological advancements, and pursuit of economic and political influence.
• 🇺🇸 A comprehensive, whole-of-government approach is necessary, defined by preparedness, innovation, capability, and swift, decisive action to counterbalance China's goals.

US vs. PLA Shipbuilding Capabilities

• 🚢 Reports indicate the PLA Navy is building surface combatants at a rate of six per year, compared to the US's 1.6 per year.
• submarine production rates show the PLA building two per year, while the US produces 1.28 attack submarines annually.
• 🇺🇸 Despite numerical disparities, US naval vessels are considered more capable in terms of tonnage, weaponry, sonar, radar, and range, with superior missile capabilities like SM2, SM3, SM6, and Tomahawk.

Naval Yard Capacity and Joint Operations

• ⚠️ The US assesses it does not have sufficient naval yard capacity to repair and refit its vessels, highlighting the urgent need to increase shipyard and shipbuilding capabilities.
• 🗺️ The PLA's ability to conduct joint operations between its naval and air forces within the First Island Chain is assessed as inferior to the US, though they are continuously improving.
• 📈 China's anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy is becoming more effective as their joint capabilities and exercises expand.

Partnering to Counter Coercive Actions

• 🤝 The Department of Defense is actively working with allies and partners to strengthen their posture and enhance capabilities to withstand CCP coercive actions, particularly in the South China Sea.
• 🇵🇭 Monthly bilateral operations with the Philippines, including ISR support and expanded exercises like Balakatan and Solak NIB, are examples of this enhanced cooperation.
• 🌏 Efforts are underway to bring in more partners like Japan and Australia to increase joint and combined capabilities in the region.