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U.S. Launches 'Golden Fleet' to Counter China's Naval Expansion

1/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, announced the "Golden Fleet" to revitalize American shipbuilding and maintain maritime dominance over China.
He noted China is constructing 1,800 ships, while the United States has built five.
The Navy plans to develop new battleships with advanced weaponry, but without nuclear propulsion.
Critics question the cost, with estimates that each ship could exceed $10 billion, and the initiative aims to boost command-and-control capabilities.

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Story summary

U.S. Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, announced the "Golden Fleet" to revitalize American shipbuilding and maintain maritime dominance over China.
He noted China is constructing 1,800 ships, while the United States has built five.
The Navy plans to develop new battleships with advanced weaponry, but without nuclear propulsion.
Critics question the cost, with estimates that each ship could exceed $10 billion, and the initiative aims to boost command-and-control capabilities.