English

DTIC AD1002513: Barriers, Springboards and Benchmarks: China Conceptualizes the Pacific Island Chains

US government reports describe Chinese-conceived island chains in theWestern Pacific as narrow demarcations for Chinese counter-interventionoperations to defeat US and allied forces in altercations over contested territorialclaims. The sparse scholarship available does little to contest thisexcessively myopic assertion. Yet, further examination reveals meaningfuldifferences that can greatly enhance an understanding of Chinese views ofthe island chains concept, and with it important aspects of Chinas effortsto develop as a maritime power. Long before China had a navy or navalstrategists worthy of the name, the concept had originated and been developedfor decades by previous great powers vying for Asia-Pacific influence.Today, Chinas own authoritative interpretations are flexible, nuanced andmultifaceted befitting the multiple and sometimes contradictory factorswith which Beijing must contend in managing its meteoric maritime rise.These include the growing importance of sea lane security at increasing distancesand levels of operational intensity.

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