Maritime Trade Warfare: A Challenge to the Chinese A2/AD System
Abstract
The modern Chinese anti-access and area denial (A2/AD) systems highlights the added complexity modern weapons and sensors have imposed on maritime warfare. Many discussions focused on how to defeat Chinese A2/AD systems and operate effectively in an environment chosen and shaped by our potential adversaries. Such strategies demand a large expenditure of force and hinge on maintaining a technological advantage over adversaries, two assumptions that may not be valid in future conflicts. Attacking China s maritime trade offers an attractive means to realize operational and strategic objectives without directly challenging A2/AD systems tasked with sea denial. It is important to evaluate the considerations at the strategic and operational levels for executing a successful maritime trade warfare campaign against China to thwart her prepared A2/AD defenses. Operational factors favor such a campaign, methods can be employed to target shipping that intend to violate a blockade, and neutral rights can be protected. By attacking Chinese trade, the United States would weaken and isolate China during a prolonged conflict at a reduced level of risk compared with directly challenging China s A2/AD system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA609322
Entities
People
- Ryan P. Conole
Organizations
- Naval War College