China's Rapid Submarine Surge: A New Maritime Power Shift

China's production of nuclear-powered submarines has significantly ramped up over the last five years, surpassing the United States in both numbers and tonnage. This shift threatens US maritime dominance, showcasing China's growing naval capabilities and strategic ambitions. The trend reflects a notable increase in regional and international naval dynamics.

China has accelerated its production of nuclear-powered submarines over the past five years, launching them at a faster rate than the United States, according to a think-tank report. This development threatens to challenge the sea-power advantage historically maintained by Washington.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) noted a significant build-up in the People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN) nuclear-powered sub force, which now features both ballistic-missile and attack submarines. Between 2021 and 2025, China's submarine production exceeded that of the US, both in terms of the number of subs launched and their tonnage, according to IISS data.

In addition to its nuclear-powered fleet, China maintains a sizable conventionally powered submarine fleet and has expanded its shipbuilding infrastructure to accommodate this growth. This surge presents mounting challenges for the US and other nations as they seek to bolster their own naval capabilities amidst a rapidly shifting maritime power landscape.