China is constructing a gigantic vessel near Guangzhou, designed to refuel, rearm, and resupply its carrier groups far from home. The ship, approximately 885 feet long, could become the world’s largest dedicated naval replenishment ship.

China’s Military Expansion

The ship’s construction is part of China’s broader strategy to build the physical, industrial, and technological capacity to absorb economic punishment, replace battlefield losses, and project power long after a crisis begins. This includes developing a global logistics and basing network, with permanent bases, shared facilities, and temporary access to foreign ports.

China’s advantage extends beyond its ships already afloat, as it has built an industrial system capable of manufacturing and repairing them. The country’s share of global shipbuilding tonnage rose from less than 5% in 1999 to over 50% in 2023. Additionally, China is mass-producing sophisticated combat aircraft, such as the J-20 stealth fighter, and has launched a nuclear-powered submarine with long-range ballistic missile capabilities.

Implications for the US

The construction of this massive ship and China’s broader military expansion have significant implications for the United States. America must reassess its own military capabilities and consider investing in larger stockpiles of munitions and strategic materials, securing allied supply chains, and hardening its space and communications networks.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.