US-China naval rivalry: Despite shrinking fleet America still wins

"Four-and-a-half acres of sovereign U.S. Territory where it's needed. when it's needed."*

Reuters' report, "Analysis: New China landing vessels point to Pacific rivalry" -- although published last year, is still valid today.

According to said Reuters report: "China in 2010 overtook South Korea to become the world's biggest shipbuilder and industry experts say the leading state-owned shipyards are steadily improving skills and technology with the launch of bigger and more complex oil tankers, container ships and other, more specialized vessels."

The same report said that China's best warships and submarines are now equiped with advanced air defense weapons and long range, anti-ship missiles.

The report added that in its annual report to Congress on the Chinese military in 2011, the Pentagon  said the People's Liberation Army (PLA) navy now has the following:

• about 75 major warships
• more than 60 submarines
• 55 medium and heavy amphibious ships
• and about 85 smaller, missile-armed fast attack craft.

Although the United Stees naval fleet is 'shrinking', America still remains the dominant navy worldwide. The US Navy has a 285-strong fleet which includes:

• 11 aircraft carriers,
• more than 70 nuclear powered submarines 
• and 22 cruisers

To read full Reuters report link here.

Furthermore, the United States has an option to call or not to call NATO if ever the going gets tough. An attack on the United States will enable the US to invoke Articles 4 and 5 of NATO Charter, the latter of which, simply put, is as follows: "An attack on one is an attack on all!"

~~ AdB,  Defenders of the Philippine Sabah and Spratly Claims
12 Feb 20013 

*Picture of Poster given to Admin ADB by Northtrop Grumman during a buissiness visit to Newport News, VA.