We were able to pull from behind strength wise in WW2 because our manufacturing infrastructure was there in almost all aspects and in multiple venues if needed. We don't have that luxury now even in non nuclear defense production. I just don't think China is going to process our needed steel or especially fuel if we came under attack. Not to mention you just don't go hire experiences ship builders off the street much less ones capable of building boats. It's the old saying practice makes perfect.
Which is why I believe we need at least some modern diesel boats...far cheaper to build, easier to man, and could relieve nucs in territorial waters.
We were stationed there recently and my wife had to deal with those unions. Since it appears that the fire was created by a few boneheaded civilian union employees, she figures that three Navy officers (the yard commander, the engineering commander and the safety person) will be fired, have their careers ruined and wind up getting retired early and two union guys will get placed somewhere else on the yard as “punishment” until the union has them reinstated.
The USA has a massive technological advantage over China thanks to automation. American factories are the most efficient in the world.
In 2010, the USA manufactured $1.855 Trillion with 11.5 million workers.
In 2010, China produced 1.922 Trillion with 120 million workers.
The efficiency of American manufacturing keeps increasing at an exponential rate. We are able to produce more goods with less workers. Labor costs are rising in China and the growth rate is slowing down.