China's Military

Historically a land power, China has increasingly come to rely on resources and markets accessible only via maritime routes. To defend these sea-lanes, Beijing is attempting to expand its power-projection capabilities, both for nationalistic and national security purposes.

Key Analysis
The USS John S. McCain (DDG-56)
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist John L. Beeman
The USS John S. McCain (DDG-56)
China: The South China Sea and Submarine Warfare
June 15, 2009 2158 GMT
An incident between a U.S. warship and a Chinese submarine is another sign that the South China Sea is becoming a competitive naval arena. [more]
Navy Soldiers Guard Battleship at Qingdao Port, China on April 22
China: Beijing Strengthens its Claims in the South China Sea
May 12, 2009 1454 GMT
China's aggressive moves to reassert its claims over the South China Sea will increase tensions with Beijing's neighbors and the United States. (With STRATFOR map) [more]
China's navy - special series display graphic THE RIGHT ONE
Part 3: When Grand Strategies Collide
April 1, 2009 1250 GMT
China’s new expeditionary navy will inevitably run up against those of established and emerging maritime powers. (With STRATFOR map) [more]
China's navy - special series display graphic THE RIGHT ONE
Part 2: China’s Plan for a Blue-Water Fleet
March 31, 2009 1107 GMT
The key challenge for China's navy was maintaining a coastal mission while expanding its operational reach. (With STRATFOR maps) [more]
China's navy - special series display graphic THE RIGHT ONE
Part 1: China’s New Need for a Maritime Focus
March 30, 2009 1816 GMT
The cost to China of building an expeditionary navy no longer outweighs the risk of not building one. Part 1 of a three part series. (With STRATFOR map) [more]
A Chinese officer stands guard before a row of Russian Su-27 'Flankers'
China, Russia: Closing the Technology Gap
March 11, 2009 2056 GMT
Negotiations over the sale of Russian navy fighter jets to China have broken down, according to a... [more]
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