China’s preeminence in the global shipbuilding arena is unmistakable, as it lays claim to an imposing 70% of the market. The protracted Russo-Ukrainian war has catalyzed a boom in unmanned systems, spurring nations to prioritize the development of both aerial and maritime variants. However, China’s commanding grip over these sectors presents formidable hurdles for competitors, notably Taiwan and the US, as they strive to carve out their own footing in this critical technological race.