Chinese state aid to shipyards has come under fire in Germany for "distorting" the market.

Speaking at its annual meeting, German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM) general manager Reinhard Luken said Asian competitors are aiming to penetrate the high-tech shipbuilding market.

"It is a sign of realism that the discussion has shifted from focusing only on the opportunities offered by China to viewing China also as a rival system," he added.