Sun Tzu at Sea: Degrading China's Integrated Maritime Campaign
Abstract
The People's Armed Forces Maritime Militia (PAFMM) has existed within the PRC in some form or capacity since the Chinese Communist Party came to power in 1949. In approximately 2010, it gained notoriety as the main workforce of an integrated maritime campaign to advance territorial sovereignty claims within the South China Sea. Affectionately labeled a cabbage strategy, the campaign is focused on persisting in vicinity of contested maritime terrain features in order to create de facto control for the PRC. The Chinese integrated maritime campaign is not indomitable, and an effective counter-campaign can degrade the twin critical capabilities, ambiguity of purpose and ambiguity of size, of its center of gravity, the PAFMM. By taking the initiative, working within the bounds of historic Southeast Asian security norms, and changing its operating methodologies, the United States can succeed in this counter-campaign. The beginnings of this campaign built upon the foundations of a comprehensive surveillance network, strong regional security institutions, and administrative controls will deteriorate the PAFMMs critical capabilities. The sum effects of these actions over time will result in the restoration of decision-making time for Southeast Asian and United States maritime forces, and the re-establishment of order in the South China Sea.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 05, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1178338
Entities
People
- Douglas J Verblaauw
Organizations
- Marine Corps University