Core Viewpoint - The U.S. is significantly lagging behind China in the shipbuilding industry, holding only 0.1% of global commercial shipbuilding capacity compared to China's 53% [1][3]. Group 1: U.S. Shipbuilding Industry Challenges - The U.S. shipbuilding capacity has severely declined over the past two decades, with outdated facilities that frequently malfunction, failing to meet the maintenance needs of the U.S. Navy [5][9]. - Important shipbuilding projects are often delayed by 1 to 3 years, exacerbating the challenges faced by the U.S. Navy [5]. - The U.S. Navy's attempts to develop an unmanned vessel fleet have encountered numerous issues, including software failures and human errors during tests [5][8]. Group 2: International Collaboration Efforts - U.S. senators have sought assistance from South Korea and Japan to explore potential collaborations and joint ventures in shipbuilding [3][5]. - South Korea has proposed a $150 billion investment in the U.S. shipbuilding industry, while Japan has shown willingness to assist during tariff negotiations [8]. - Despite these efforts, the collaboration is seen as a temporary solution, as South Korea and Japan's shipbuilding capabilities do not match China's scale, efficiency, and technological comprehensiveness [8][12]. Group 3: Legislative and Structural Barriers - The Jones Act, a protectionist law, complicates overseas collaboration by mandating that all domestic shipping vessels must be built, registered, and operated in the U.S. [8][9]. - The U.S. military's procurement rules further restrict the purchase of foreign-built vessels, limiting the potential for revitalizing the domestic shipbuilding industry [9]. - The fragmentation of the domestic supply chain poses a significant challenge, as it takes years to train skilled workers, and the U.S. shipyards struggle to attract labor [9][11]. Group 4: Long-term Outlook - Even with potential support from South Korea and Japan, the U.S. is unlikely to quickly rebuild a shipbuilding system that can compete with China's [12]. - The U.S. must undergo deep reforms in technology accumulation, talent development, and supply chain reconstruction to catch up with China in shipbuilding [12]. - If the U.S. continues to pursue short-sighted and competitive strategies against China, it may further hinder its own capabilities in the shipbuilding sector [12].