In a significant address during his 10-day tour of the Asia-Pacific region, U.S. Admiral Daryl Caudle expressed admiration for China’s burgeoning shipbuilding capabilities while underscoring the critical importance of American alliances with Japan and South Korea. Speaking in Tokyo on Monday, Caudle described China’s naval expansion as ‘impressive,’ particularly highlighting the recent commissioning of its latest aircraft carrier, Fujian, and the sea trials of its advanced amphibious assault ship. Despite China’s numerical advantage in total ships, the U.S. Navy maintains superiority in key vessel categories such as aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. Caudle emphasized that China’s global deployment of these assets remains a concern for U.S. strategic interests. However, he reassured that the combined naval capabilities of the U.S. and its regional allies, including Japan, South Korea, and Australia, form a formidable counterbalance. Caudle’s visit coincides with heightened tensions between Japan and China, as Japan’s new conservative Prime Minister has suggested a potential military response to any Chinese aggression toward Taiwan. Earlier in the day, Caudle toured the U.S. Navy base in Yokosuka and a local shipbuilding facility, reiterating the U.S. commitment to bolstering its shipbuilding capacity through collaboration with Japan and South Korea. He also described South Korea’s recent agreement to develop a nuclear-powered submarine as ‘very nascent,’ while noting Japan’s interest in similar technology, which may face public opposition due to the nation’s historical trauma and non-nuclear principles.