Bolster Ground Force Capabilities in the Asia-Pacific Region
Abstract
In recent years, China has aggressively contested Americas ability to project power in an area of global economic importance: the Western Pacific. Notable Chinese efforts in this region are the accelerated pace of China modernizing its People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), increasing its anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, and escalating activity to expand territory in the South China Sea. With the rise of China as a maritime power and its increasing A2/AD capabilities, this research paper examines how U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) can shape the theater and assure the U.S. and its allies maintain access to the global commons. Bolstering USPACOM ground force capabilities in the Western Pacific provides a comprehensive solution to counter China's aggressive action threatening East Asian security, because it sets conditions favorable to U.S. national security interests, strengthens the regional security framework, and projects U.S. power in the region to deter China. This paper provides a detailed analysis of this operational approach by first framing the problem of Chinas aggression, then discussing how to strengthen ground force capabilities to deter China, and concluding with several recommendations for USPACOM.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 12, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1021503
Entities
People
- Bryan R. Dunker
Organizations
- Naval War College