Abstract
In November 2012, then president Hu Jintao declared that China’s objective was to
become a strong or great maritime power. This report, based on papers written by
China experts for this CNA project, explores that decision and the implications it has
for the United States. It analyzes Chinese thinking on what a maritime power is, why
Beijing wants to become a maritime power, what shortfalls it believes it must address
in order to become a maritime power, and when it believes it will become a maritime
power (as it defines the term). The report then explores the component pieces of
China’s maritime power—its navy, coast guard, maritime militia, merchant marine,
and shipbuilding and fishing industries. It also addresses some policy options
available to the U.S. government to prepare for—and, if deemed necessary, mitigate—
the impact that China’s becoming a maritime power would have for U.S. interests
More information: Rear Admiral Michael McDevitt, USN (retired) (2016), Becoming a Great “Maritime Power”: A Chinese Dream (tạm dịch là: Trở thành “Cường quốc hàng hải” vĩ đại: Giấc mơ Trung Hoa), CNA June 2016.
