"In the early [19]80s, we had over 300 shipyards. That was actually a decrease from the end of World War Two when we had nearly 1000, but still, by the early 80s, we had over 300. In just the last three few years, we're down to about 20 [shipyards]," Waltz said during a virtual conversation hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
According to Waltz, in 2023 alone, China placed more than 1500 new orders for new ships, while the United States received only five.
Senator Mark Kelly, who also participated in the discussion, added that only 80 commercial ships today operate under the US flag, down from 10,000 merchant vessels flying the US flag at the end of World War II.