BBC: Jonathan Marcus, “China Extending Military Reach”
Jonathan Marcus, “China Extending Military Reach,” BBC News, 14 June 2011.
A maritime arms race is under way in the South China Sea. Beijing is rapidly developing a host of military capabilities that will enable it to project power well beyond its own shores. …
According to Dr Andrew Erickson, a China expert at the US Naval War College: “China does not want to start a war, but rather seeks to wield its growing military might to ‘win without fighting’ by deterring actions that it views as detrimental to its core national interests.”
Three weapons systems are emblematic of China’s broadening strategic horizons.
China’s first aircraft carrier will begin sea trials later this year. Late last year, the first pictures were leaked of the prototype of Beijing’s new “stealth” fighter. And US military experts believe that China has begun to deploy the world’s first long-range ballistic missile capable of hitting a moving ship at sea.
Dr Erickson says China’s capabilities thus far have been focused on developing a regional anti-access or area denial strategy to prevent Taiwan from declaring independence.
In part this strategy rests upon developing credible weapons systems to hold US carrier battle groups at risk should Washington elect to intervene. …
Home of the Flying Shark
Ever since the Pacific campaign of World War II, aircraft carriers have been the dominant means of projecting naval power. …
China too is now entering the carrier race, albeit from a standing start. An old Soviet-era carrier – the Varyag – was purchased from Ukraine and has been extensively refitted. …
The carrier is reported to be due to begin sea trials in the summer. Once operational it would give the Chinese Navy a significant new capability in its continuing disputes with its maritime neighbours.
But Western experts note that this carrier will largely serve a training role. Carrier operations require significant expertise which can only be built up over time. The vessel is unlikely to deploy the wide range of aircraft available to the commander of a US Naval carrier air group.
Nonetheless, Dr Erickson says China will use the carrier to “project a bit of power, confer prestige on a rising great power, and master basic procedures”. …
