China Maritime Report No. 11: Securing China's Lifelines Across the Indian Ocean
Abstract
How is China thinking about protecting sea lines of communication (SLOCs) and maritime chokepoints in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in times of crisis or conflict? Relying on Chinese policy documents and writings by Chinese security analysts, this report argues that three critical challenges limit the People's Liberation Army Navys (PLAN's) ability to project power into the region and defend access to SLOCs and chokepoints, particularly in times of crisis: (1) the PLAN's relatively modest presence in the region compared to other powers, (2) its limited air defense and anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and (3) its limited logistics and sustainment infrastructure in the region. To address these challenges, Beijing has already undertaken a series of initiatives, including expanding the capabilities of China's base in Djibouti and leveraging the nation's extensive commercial shipping fleet to provide logistics support. Evidence suggests that the PRC may also be pursuing other policy options as well, such as increasing the number of advanced PLAN assets deployed to the region and establishing additional overseas military facilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1146361
Entities
People
- Jeffrey Becker
Organizations
- Naval War College