CNA Maritime Asia Project. Workshop Two: Naval Developments in Asia
Abstract
As part of its Maritime Asia project, the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) conducted a workshop focused on naval developments in Asia. The purpose of this workshop was to explore the interaction between China s ongoing naval modernization and the navy modernization programs that most of China s neighbors are pursuing. The point was not to revisit the often asked question of whether a naval arms race is underway in East Asia. The entire arms race paradigm probably does not make sense: technically speaking, a naval arms race in Asia with China is not really possible, because no other Asian country can keep pace with the scope and sophistication of China s naval modernization. China simply is too wealthy and has too much capacity. Rather, the hope was to explore what has been called a capabilities competition. For example, Chinese anti-access/area-denial capabilities are triggering an approach that the United States has dubbed the Air-Sea Battle, which is intended to field capabilities that will assure access. So what we have are diametrically opposed concepts based on different sets of capabilities one set to deny access versus another set intended to assure access. Other Asian countries are responding to different aspects of Chinese access denial capabilities, especially its submarine force and its eventual power-projection capabilities (the PLAN aircraft carrier program). Meanwhile, everyone confronts the classic security dilemma. China s attempt to improve its security is making its Asian neighbors who depend on US maritime power less secure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA568464
Entities
People
- Catherine K. Lea
- Michael A. Mcdevitt
Organizations
- Center for Naval Analyses