China's Military Strategy

ComNavOps has long harped on the need for a coherent national geopolitical strategy and the military strategy that logically flows from it.  Without such a strategy we have no means of guiding our force structure development or developing operational plans and doctrine.  Of course, it’s equally important to try to understand a potential enemy’s strategy, as well.  Knowing what they’re trying to accomplish and how they’ll go about it will greatly influence our own plans.

As a quick reminder, a strategy should have three elements:

1. A description of the problem
2. A listing of the goals/objectives that are directly related to resolving the problem
3. A statement of the means to achieve the goals/objectives

We’ll leave China’s broader geopolitical strategy for some other forum.  Instead, let’s look at China’s military strategy.

Problem

Taiwan – China considers Taiwan to be part of China and has stated publicly that it will return Taiwan to mainland control.  Unfortunately, Taiwan is modestly powerful, militarily, and enjoys the protection of the United States (the current Administration, notwithstanding).  Thus, military seizure is problematic.

Disputed Islands – The Chinese maintain claims on many islands in and around the South and East China Seas.  Unfortunately for China, these islands are also claimed by many other nations including Japan, Philippines, Viet Nam, and others.  Further, international law is not generally on the side of China in most of these disputed claims.

Goals/Objectives

• Isolate Taiwan from US aid and intervention and, ultimately, return Taiwan to mainland control
• Seize the entire first island chain

Means

• Establish an A2/AD zone extending to the first island chain
• Establish bases on disputed islands
• Create islands with military bases in the disputed areas
• Establish vast aviation exclusion zones
• Use military force to interdict any foreign movement or presence in or around disputed islands or areas
• Neutralize US military presence by aggressively disputing US military rights of passage and presence within the first island chain
• Build an effective armor-based amphibious assault force to seize Taiwan and disputed islands as necessary

Now that’s a strategy and one that’s being effectively executed!

Bagikan Artikel ini