Washington, March 3: Senior U.S. Navy officials have alerted lawmakers that China is making significant investments to undermine America’s long-standing maritime dominance. They shared their insights during a hearing titled “Your World: Undersea U.S.-China Competition” at the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
Vice Admiral Richard Saf, commander of the U.S. Navy’s submarine forces, stated that while America’s undersea advantage remains strong, it is under pressure. He emphasized that this military edge has been a crucial and enduring source of resistance and combat capability in the Indo-Pacific region. Saf warned that if these advantages are not maintained, they could weaken.
Saf indicated that China is actively working to diminish America’s “secret capabilities.” He cited rapid modernization of submarines, enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and an undersea sensor network, often referred to as the “underwater Great Wall.” He noted that Beijing’s investments aim to reduce U.S. operational freedom, particularly near key maritime chokepoints and within the first island chain.
He identified four major advantages in the submarine domain: stealth capability, survivability, power projection, and control of maritime access. He asserted that submarines remain the most survivable military assets. Furthermore, their ability to operate undetected serves as a foundation for America’s reliable response options in crises.
Admiral Saf cautioned that even minor improvements in China’s sensor and weapon systems could disrupt the balance in contested waters. To maintain U.S. superiority, he urged prioritizing submarine readiness, strengthening the industrial base, accelerating maintenance, investing in unmanned systems, and enhancing interoperability among allied nations. He emphasized that the best submarine is one that is prepared, manned, and ready to act when needed.
Rear Admiral Mike Brooks, commander of the Navy’s intelligence office, echoed these warnings. He stated that China’s submarine modernization is part of a larger effort to challenge U.S. maritime supremacy. Brooks testified that China operates one of the world’s largest submarine fleets, comprising over 60 submarines, including nuclear-powered attack submarines, ballistic missile submarines, and advanced diesel-electric platforms.
He noted that Beijing is moving toward a nuclear-capable fleet and expanding production capacity for development by the 2030s. Brooks expressed concerns about China’s “systemic confrontation” approach, which integrates submarines, aircraft, seabed sensors, and unmanned platforms into a networked anti-submarine structure.
He explained that the goal is to improve the detection and tracking of U.S. submarines in strategically significant waters and to raise the costs of American intervention during crises. Brooks also highlighted China’s investments in unmanned underwater vehicles, seabed sensor networks, and deep-sea mining technologies.
He warned that China is adopting an integrated approach that links strategy, naval modernization, seabed infrastructure, and resource extraction. Brooks cautioned that in the event of conflict, submarine cables and seabed systems could become targets. He predicted that by 2040, the PLA Navy’s submarine forces could “reliably challenge U.S. regional maritime dominance,” complicating crisis response and allied defense in the Indo-Pacific.
Both officials stressed that the issue is not merely about making the seas fully transparent. It relates to diminishing America’s covert operational capabilities in key areas. They noted that the stakes extend far beyond military balance. Most global data traffic and financial transactions occur beneath the sea, making cable security and seabed resilience critical for economic stability.
For India and other Indo-Pacific nations, the testimonies of these officials highlighted China’s growing submarine reach and presence in the Indian Ocean. The hearing conveyed a clear message: while the U.S. still holds a decisive undersea advantage, maintaining it will require continuous investment, innovation, and close coordination with allies as competition deepens beneath the surface.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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