Current Size of the Chinese Navy
As of 2024, the Chinese Navy has become the most powerful naval force in the world in terms of numbers. With 234 active warships, China has surpassed the United States, which has 219 warships. However, the U.S. Navy still possesses the most modern aircraft carriers and destroyers, meaning the balance of power between the two countries remains very close.
In addition to its large warships, the Chinese Navy has a significant capacity with smaller vessels and support ships. The fleet consists of a total of 730 units, including these smaller ships, and is supported by more than 300,000 personnel.
Key components that enhance China’s naval power include three aircraft carriers (with the latest one still undergoing sea trials), three helicopter carriers, and various frigates and corvettes. The Pentagon is closely monitoring China’s naval developments.
The CNS Liaoning was captured by NASA’s Landsat 8 satellite while conducting sea trials in the Pacific Ocean, adjacent to the Bohai Sea.
Size of the Chinese Merchant Fleet
According to Clarkson Research data, the fleet owned by Chinese shipowners, including bulk carriers and container fleets, has rapidly grown since 2015. In terms of gross tonnage, China surpassed Greece to become the largest shipowner in the world. Additionally, China has risen to the top of the market with its container ships. Since 2021, half of the container ships ordered have been placed by Chinese companies such as OOCL, SITC, and COSCO, which is considered a key factor in China’s position at the top.
As of 2021, China’s fleet value reached $1.9 billion, surpassing Japan to become the country with the largest number of ships in the world.
China’s Growing Port and Shipyard Capacity
Chinese ports continue to increase their influence on global trade, as evidenced by their performance in the first three quarters of 2024. As a result, Chinese ports are steadily approaching their 2024 target of handling 250 million TEUs. In the first nine months of the year, container traffic reached a total of 211 million TEUs, marking a 5.1% increase compared to the previous year. The total cargo volume grew by 10.3% to 1.39 billion tons, while container volume rose by 5.7% to 23.6 million TEUs.
According to Clarkson Research, Chinese shipyards accounted for 50% of global shipyard production in 2023, measured by gross tonnage (CGT). As a result, global shipyard production reached 35 million CGT, with China leading at 26%, ahead of South Korea (14%) and Japan.
In 2023, the five largest ports in China and their capacities were as follows:
- Shanghai Port – 40.2 million TEUs
- Ningbo-Zhoushan Port – 30.2 million TEUs
- Shenzhen Port – 24 million TEUs
- Qingdao Port – 23.9 million TEUs
- Guangzhou Port – 20.8 million TEUs
China’s Infrastructure, ICT, and Skilled Workforce Capacity
According to the China Ports and Harbors Association, the large-scale contributions made by the government to infrastructure investments and the digitalization efforts at ports have played a significant role in making China home to the world’s largest and most powerful maritime trade fleet. Furthermore, new trade agreements and international collaborations have been effective in increasing the volume of cargo and containers at the ports.
On the other hand, one of the most important factors contributing to China’s growing global influence is the country’s possession of the world’s largest higher education system, with 240 million people being educated. Many Chinese universities have reached a high level of achievement across numerous disciplines on a global scale. This has played a crucial role in the rapid advancements in innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and advanced information technologies.
International Projects, Investments, and Agreements
Strategic initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have been key factors positively influencing China’s port traffic. Through these projects, trade corridors between Asia, Europe, and Africa have been expanded, further strengthening China’s role in global trade. The integration of automation and artificial intelligence technologies has increased the capacity and efficiency of ports, enhancing China’s competitiveness in global trade. These technological innovations have also made port operations more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
As part of the Maritime Silk Road initiative, Chinese companies’ investments in ports of international importance have been steadily increasing. Chinese firms have begun to focus more on acquiring ports in overseas countries. For instance, COSCO made headlines with its €35 million investment in Zeebrugge, Belgium’s second-largest port. This highlights the growing presence of Chinese companies in the global maritime trade infrastructure.
China is now a global leader in maritime operations both on the civilian and military fronts.
- China has become home to the world’s most powerful fleet, signaling the end of the era of passive maritime presence.
- Since 2015, through significant investments, China has established itself as the owner of the largest maritime trade fleet and the leading shipping operator globally.
- The impressive performance of Chinese ports is crucial not only for the country’s economy but also for the overall health of global trade and the world economy.
- Additionally, universities and colleges in China are driving advancements in high-speed rail, nuclear energy, national defense, supercomputers, and space technologies, further boosting the country’s technological and industrial capabilities.
- The Maritime Silk Road is reshaping the geography of global maritime trade models, potentially increasing the integration of many developing nations into the global trade system.
