Will a Mature People's Republic of China Theater Ballistic Missile Capability Encourage Military Solutions in the East Asia-Pacific Region?
Abstract
The question of how the People's Republic of China's (China) ongoing development of a theater ballistic missile (TBM) capability will impact on East Asia-Pacific regional security is considered. A mature Chinese TBM capability, without a countervailing U.S. and allied TBM capability and TBM Defense (TBMD), may alter the balance of power that underwrites the status quo in the region, and provide China with a perceived window of opportunity' to achieve its objectives to reunify with Taiwan, consolidate its maritime claims in the South China Sea and establish itself as the dominant regional power. Within the structure of Theater Security Cooperation, PACOM will need to employ measures to mitigate these challenges to ensure United States theater strategic objectives within the region.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 13, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA405822
Entities
People
- Patricia J. Battin
Organizations
- Naval War College