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Given these statistics, one must consider the implications of the US Navy's $1.3 trillion mistake that has contributed to this pressing issue. How is China effectively leveraging its commercial shipbuilding capabilities for military applications, and what advantages does the US Navy still retain? The complexities inherent in this scenario are far deeper than they may initially appear.
Factors Behind US Naval Shipbuilding Growth
Historically, the growth of the US shipbuilding industry during peacetime has hinged on four key factors:
- Existential Threats: An immediate threat necessitating shipbuilding, such as the Soviet Union during the Reagan era, has often renewed focus and investment in naval capabilities. Today, China represents a significant like threat.