China has completed the merger of its two state-run shipbuilding conglomerates, creating the world’s largest shipbuilder in a move widely seen as part of its strategic competition with the United States.
The consolidation of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) unites a portfolio covering both commercial and military vessels.
The newly combined entity now controls an order backlog of about 530 ships totaling 54 million deadweight tons, with annual revenue projected near $18 billion.
Experts suggest that merging civilian and military shipbuilding operations could streamline production, enabling China to boost its share of the global market and advance naval projects.According to the Wall Street Journal (Aug 2025), a Chinese government statement described the merger as enhancing the nation’s “comprehensive shipbuilding capacity” and supporting high-quality development of the maritime sector.
Observers believe the deal will help China preserve its lead in commercial shipbuilding while enhancing its capacity to construct major naval vessels, including carriers, destroyers, and support ships.
