Chinese Grand Strategy and Maritime Power
Edition: 1 edition
Series: Cass Series--Naval Policy and History, 16
Publisher: Routledge
Published: May 1, 2002
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 158
ISBN-13: 9780714652825
Subjects: Maritime history; Naval forces & warfare; Military; History - Military / War; China; Military - Naval; History / Military / Naval; History; Sea-power
Description: "This new book argues that the People's Republic of China (PRC) is pursuing a long-term strategy to extend its national power by sea. Although the PRC acts most boldly in the geographical areas where its influence is greatest, its plans, like its interests, are global. China's naval weakness forces it to proceed circumspectly, but its actions suggest purpose and intelligence. And Beijing's naval strategy will have dramatic implications for the West, for, in the words of China expert Gerald Segal, 'on no single strategic issue are China and the West on the same side'." "Having introduced this important argument, Thomas Kane goes on to discuss the concept of grand strategy, explaining how political leaders have traditionally set their states on courses of national expansion. This discussion casts light on why it is reasonable to think that a country such as China is pursuing such a program today. Although the PRC's economic requirements and internal political disputes complicate its government's attempts at long-term military planning, other states have overcome similar problems, and evidence suggests that Beijing's leaders are beginning to do so as well." "The book goes on to examine China's current naval forces and maritime doctrine in detail. Although China's navy is not nearly as capable as some alarmists have indicated, Chinese military thinkers are thinking seriously about how to use it to best advantage, and to expand its potential over time. The analysis of China's naval diplomacy over the 1990s suggests that China is making the kinds of gains earlier chapters predicted that it would seek. In a concluding chapter, Thomas Kane suggests ways in which the West might respond to China's progress - a matter of great importance, especially to the United States and China's neighbours in the Asia-Pacific."--BOOK JACKET.