The People's Republic of China (PRC) has scored another strategic victory in the Western Pacific, as recent events underscore the growing power imbalance between China and the United States in the region. While the U.S. military continues to grapple with logistical and strategic shortcomings, the Chinese military is pressing forward, leveraging its expanding naval presence to challenge U.S. dominance. These developments are shifting the power dynamics in the Pacific and reflect a troubling trend for American influence.
China’s naval buildup has been particularly concerning. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has evolved dramatically since the Cold War, transforming from a defensive fleet into a blue-water navy capable of projecting power far beyond its shores. Over the past decade, China has constructed over 150 major combat vessels, whereas the United States has built fewer than half that number. This rapid expansion has given China a clear numerical advantage, and it is making up ground in terms of naval technology and capability.
China signs finance cooperation agreement with debt distressed Maldives https://t.co/2s2N9Go1s0 pic.twitter.com/gdeZMN4kKT
— Reuters (@Reuters) September 13, 2024
This victory comes amid U.S. efforts to pivot its military focus toward the Pacific. Despite this strategic shift, the U.S. Navy continues to struggle with key deficiencies in its shipbuilding program. High-profile failures such as the Zumwalt-class destroyers and Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) have left the Navy ill-prepared to meet the demands of a modern conflict at sea.
Furthermore, while the U.S. remains focused on legacy platforms, China has invested in both conventional and asymmetric capabilities, including advanced missiles and a burgeoning submarine fleet.
Chinse military channel release video of Chinese J-15 pilot forcing the Australian P-8A reconnaissance plane to leave Chinese airspace in June 2022 after repeated warning to turn around.
Australia the proxy is being pulled into a losing US war with China in the West Pacific.… pic.twitter.com/ynBphx9Lbq
— Ignis Rex (@Ignis_Rex) September 15, 2024
Recent reports have drawn attention to the fact that in any future conflict in the Western Pacific, the U.S. Navy would be at a severe logistical disadvantage. Key naval bases in Japan and Guam would likely be neutralized early on by Chinese missile strikes, leaving U.S. forces reliant on facilities as far away as Hawaii for resupply. This logistical weakness has been highlighted by defense experts, who point out that China’s growing missile capabilities, including its infamous anti-ship ballistic missiles, make the region increasingly dangerous for U.S. forces.
The implications of this shift are far-reaching. Chinese control of key maritime routes would not only threaten U.S. military operations but also allow Beijing to exert economic pressure on its neighbors and the broader global community. The strategic importance of the Pacific cannot be overstated, as it serves as a vital artery for global trade and security.
What makes this latest victory particularly notable is the reaction — or lack thereof — from Washington. Despite clear indicators of China's rising threat, the U.S. government has been slow to respond. Military analysts have warned for years about the growing gap between the U.S. and Chinese navies, but little has been done to address the root causes of this disparity. Congress continues to debate the need for a larger, more capable Navy, but political infighting and budget constraints have prevented meaningful progress.
Adding to these challenges is China’s mastery of the political landscape in the region. Beijing has used economic diplomacy and soft power to win favor with smaller nations, many of which now view China as a more reliable partner than the U.S. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have allowed China to build infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific, further embedding its influence.
