In a strategic move to reinforce Indo-Pacific deterrence, the United States is intensifying its presence in the Taiwan Strait as China continues to surge ahead in naval expansion. The U.S. Navy’s USS Chung-Hoon recently documented unsafe maneuvers by a Chinese Luyang III destroyer during a routine transit, underscoring rising regional tensions.
Such incidents highlight the fragile balance in one of the world’s most sensitive waterways.
China’s Naval Growth Surpasses U.S.
China’s warship production has reached unprecedented levels in 2025, with Chinese shipyards accounting for more than 60% of all global new orders. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) officially operates 234 warships, exceeding the U.S. Navy’s tally of 219—though the U.S. still retains superiority in overall firepower and aircraft carrier displacement.The rapid expansion is rooted in Beijing’s military-civilian fusion strategy, allowing for quick conversion of commercial shipyards into military production facilities.
U.S. Response: Deterrence & Alliances
In response, U.S. defense leaders underscore the critical importance of stability in the Taiwan Strait, warning that conflict could trigger widespread economic fallout and risk thousands of lives. These challenges underscore why Washington is doubling down on deterrence by advancing alliances, modernizing naval capabilities, and supporting regional partners.
