China’s Expanding Naval Power and Strategic Ambitions Under Xi Jinping
China, traditionally a land power, has recently expanded its naval capabilities, asserting influence in the South China Sea, Arctic, and around Taiwan. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has grown rapidly, with modern ships like the Type 052DL destroyer and Type 055 cruiser visiting Vanuatu. Dr. Andrew Erickson from the US Naval War College describes China’s strategic priorities as concentric zones of control, influence, and reach.
Under Xi Jinping, China has pursued the Belt and Road Initiative, expanding influence over land and sea. Despite challenges, China is becoming a formidable maritime power, with the world’s largest navy, coast guard, and maritime militia. Erickson notes China’s strategic direction is towards the southeast maritime area, with significant naval expansion.
China’s focus on Taiwan remains a core interest, with potential scenarios including blockades. The Center for Strategic and International Studies highlights the risks of such actions, noting Taiwan’s reliance on international trade. Erickson warns of Taiwan’s vulnerability as China grows more powerful in the maritime domain.
China’s naval ambitions extend to the Arctic, with increased activity in 2024. Professor Ryan Martinson from the US Naval War College discusses China’s Arctic interests, including surveys in the Bering Strait. Tensions with the US may rise as China challenges maritime claims.
As China expands its naval reach, potential confrontations loom in various hotspots, reflecting its growing maritime ambitions.
Doubts Revealed
Xi Jinping -: Xi Jinping is the leader of China. He is like the head of the country, making important decisions about how China is run.
South China Sea -: The South China Sea is a large area of ocean near China. Many countries, including China, want to control parts of it because it has lots of fish and possibly oil and gas.
Arctic -: The Arctic is the cold, icy area around the North Pole. It’s important because it has lots of natural resources and new shipping routes are opening up as ice melts.
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island near China. China considers it a part of its country, but Taiwan sees itself as separate. This causes disagreements between them.
PLAN -: PLAN stands for the People’s Liberation Army Navy, which is the naval branch of China’s military. It’s like the part of the army that works on the sea.
Vanuatu -: Vanuatu is a small country made up of islands in the Pacific Ocean. It’s far from China, but China’s ships visiting there show how far their navy can travel.
Dr. Andrew Erickson -: Dr. Andrew Erickson is a person who studies China’s military and writes about it. He helps people understand what China is doing with its navy.
Concentric zones -: Concentric zones are like circles around a point. In this case, it means areas where China wants to have more control and influence, starting close to home and moving outward.
Blockades -: A blockade is when ships stop other ships from going in or out of a place. China might use blockades to control Taiwan by stopping ships from reaching it.
US maritime claims -: US maritime claims are areas of the ocean that the United States says it has rights to use or control. China might challenge these claims by increasing its naval activities.
