Sea Dragon Rising: The Ascendancy of China's People's Liberation Army Navy
Abstract
Although concern over the so-called "China Threat" has been overshadowed recently by the events of Sept 11, Afghanistan, the potential of nuclear dirty bombs, Iraq, North Korea, and the like, the military modernization of the People's Republic of China bears considerable scrutiny because of its recent acceleration, reminiscent of that of the Soviet Union following the Cuban Missile Crisis. As a Naval Officer, I have chosen to concentrate on the build up of the Chinese Navy--The Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) because of both personal and professional reasons. My interest was first piqued when, as a Naval Flight Officer on a Maritime Patrol aircraft off Hianan Island, I had a very close encounter with a PLAN F-8 fighter aircraft as it intercepted us in international airspace over the South China Sea. The pilot's high rate of closure and dangerously close CPA resulted in the State Department issuing a formal protest to Beijing. Three months later, that same reckless Chinese pilot would fatally crash his F-8 into an American EP-3, sparking an international diplomatic crisis. Professionally, my interest in this topic was spurred by the words of Sun Tse: "Know thy enemy." In all probability, I will cross paths with the PLAN again, and thus view this endeavor as valuable in terms of Professional Military Education. What I have learned in my research for this project has been both a source of comfort and concern, and I am anxious to share both with the reader. While the modern PLAN is certainly a capable force, it does not currently represent a clear and present danger to America. The PRC's ambitions can never be underestimated, and I reiterate that they bear considerable watching.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA526342
Entities
People
- Brian S. Lenk
Organizations
- Marine Corps War College