The balance of naval power in the Pacific is shifting as China rapidly increases its production of nuclear-powered submarines, now outpacing the United States in recent reports. Between 2021 and 2025, China launched 10 nuclear submarines compared to the 7 launched by the U.S., leading to a significant increase in total displacement, with Chinese submarines reaching approximately 79,000 tons against 55,500 tons for America’s submarines. This growth marks a complete reversal from the previous five years, where the U.S. held a considerable advantage in these naval capabilities.

The new Chinese submarines include both ballistic missile submarines and attack submarines, thereby enhancing the capabilities of the Chinese navy significantly. In addition to nuclear submarines, China maintains a substantial fleet of conventional submarines, with around 46 units currently in operation. While the numbers represent launches and not necessarily full operational readiness, the U.S. still retains a significant edge in active fleet size, with about 65 operational nuclear submarines, including 14 armed with ballistic missiles.

This shift in submarine production and capabilities is significant not only for the balance of power but also for the strategic security dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region. As China continues to bolster its naval strength, the implications extend to regional security, potential power projection, and the overall strategic military competition between China and the U.S., emphasizing the need for continued monitoring of developments in China’s military modernization efforts.