Which country currently has the largest navy in the world?

China currently has the largest navy in the world. This status is due to China's significant investment in naval forces over recent years, driven by its need to secure its maritime interests and assert its presence in regional waters. The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has expanded its fleet size dramatically, including a growing number of advanced warships, submarines, and aircraft carriers, positioning China at the forefront of naval capabilities.

This development can be attributed to China's strategic objectives, which include protecting trade routes, asserting territorial claims, and enhancing its power projection capabilities in various theaters of operation, particularly in the South China Sea and beyond. The expansion and modernization of the Chinese navy reflect not only a desire to dominate regional waters but also a goal to establish itself as a global maritime power.