By Maria Kalamatas | The Logistic News – March 24, 2025
China’s aggressive pursuit of dominance in the maritime logistics and shipbuilding sectors is sending ripples across global trade routes—and raising alarms in Washington. While much of the attention on China has focused on technology and semiconductor supply chains, a quieter, more strategic power play is unfolding at sea.
This growing control of maritime infrastructure by Beijing is not just an economic maneuver—it’s a geopolitical chess move. From port investments to shipbuilding capacity, China is shaping the arteries of global trade to align with its national interests. For the United States and its allies, the implications extend far beyond commercial competition—they speak to security, sovereignty, and the future of international logistics.
A Blueprint for Control
China’s efforts are grounded in a multi-decade vision: dominate the logistics networks that underpin global commerce. Through state-backed champions like COSCO Shipping, the country has become the world’s largest shipbuilder and a major stakeholder in port terminals across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
China now controls or holds stakes in at least 96 ports in 53 countries, from Piraeus in Greece to Hambantota in Sri Lanka. Its Belt and Road Initiative continues to inject billions into maritime infrastructure, quietly securing leverage over trade chokepoints.
What may seem like smart business expansion is, in fact, a well-calculated geopolitical strategy, giving China the power to influence supply chain flow, restrict access during times of tension, and shape maritime rules on its terms.
The U.S. Response: Behind the Curve?
While China ramps up investments, the U.S. maritime industrial base is struggling to stay afloat. Decades of underinvestment, deregulation, and a shift toward just-in-time supply chain models have left American shipyards diminished and port infrastructure aging.
The current U.S. fleet lacks sufficient capacity to meet strategic needs in a major conflict. According to recent Congressional reports, the number of U.S.-flagged commercial ships has fallen by more than 60% since 1990, raising concerns over maritime resilience in times of crisis.
“We can’t afford to ignore what’s happening,” said a former Pentagon official. “If you don’t control the sea lanes, you don’t control your future.”
More Than Just Ships and Ports
China’s dominance extends beyond ships and terminals. Beijing has focused on securing supply chains for everything from critical minerals to refrigerated cargo. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the logistics provider is just as powerful as the goods being moved.
Moreover, China’s foothold in digital port technologies and logistics platforms allows for deeper data access and cargo visibility—technological advantages that can be used both for economic and intelligence purposes.
A Call to Rebuild and Rethink
The growing influence of China in maritime logistics has triggered a wake-up call within U.S. strategic circles. Experts are urging policymakers to prioritize maritime infrastructure, expand domestic shipbuilding, and strengthen international alliances to counterbalance China’s reach.
In February, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced preliminary funding to modernize key ports and improve resilience in the face of geopolitical disruptions. However, experts argue that more targeted, long-term investments are essential.
“The future of global trade won’t be defined just by what is made—but by who can move it, and how fast,” said a senior logistics analyst.
Looking Ahead
As global supply chains face rising instability—from regional conflicts to cyber threats—control over logistics will become more than a commercial advantage; it will be a strategic imperative.
For China, the message is clear: those who control the docks, control the world. For the West, the time to respond is now.
