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Andrew S. Erickson China's rapid development is reshaping the world in all dimensions. Chinese language open sources offer insights into these critical trends. While such materials are increasing constantly in number, diversity, and sophistication, only a fraction is available in English. The analyses available here, many based on sources not previously considered outside China, are designed to help bridge that gap--and thereby increase understanding of the most dynamic great power in the international system today.

22 November 2011

Chinese Lessons from Other Peoples’ Wars

Andrew Scobell, David Lai, and Roy Kamphausen, eds., Chinese Lessons from Other Peoples’ Wars (Carlisle, PA: U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute, 2011).
The importance of China stems not only from its current international role and its influence on the Asia-Pacific region in particular, but also because China’s impact on global developments will likely continue […]

21 November 2011

China SignPost™ (洞察中国) #50–New Access for U.S. Forces in Australia: Is it driven by China?

Gabriel B. Collins and Andrew S. Erickson, “New Access for U.S. Forces in Australia: Is it driven by China?” China SignPost™ (洞察中国) 50 (14 November 2011).
China SignPost™ 洞察中国–“Clear, high-impact China analysis.”©
What is happening?
A substantial enhancement in US-Australia military ties first referred to approximately one year ago now appears to be materializing.  A range of media outlets report that President […]

07 November 2011

China SignPost™ (洞察中国) #49: “Electric Bikes are China’s Real Electric Vehicle Story”

Gabriel B. Collins and Andrew S. Erickson, “Electric Bikes are China’s Real Electric Vehicle Story,” China SignPost™ (洞察中国) 49 (7 November 2011).
China SignPost™ 洞察中国–“Clear, high-impact China analysis.”©
Along with its booming market for petroleum-fueled autos, China is also a global leader in promoting greater use of electric and alternative fuel vehicles. Automakers are responding to the government’s ambitious objective to […]

01 November 2011

Interview with Andrew Erickson by David Axe in The Diplomat “A New Space Race?”

David Axe, interview with Andrew Erickson, “A New Space Race?” The Diplomat, 1 November 2011.
Andrew Erickson, an associate professor at the U.S. Naval War College, is known for his views on Chinese aerospace and naval capabilities. His latest edited volume is entitled: ‘Chinese Aerospace Power: Evolving Maritime Roles.’
Erickson holds a distinct viewpoint concerning tensions between […]

28 October 2011

China’s Energy Security: The Perspective of Energy Users

Malavika Jain Bambawale and Benjamin K. Sovacool, “China’s Energy Security: The Perspective of Energy Users,” Applied Energy, 88.5 (May 2011): 1949-56.
Abstract
The article explores the energy security concerns faced by China from the point of view of energy users working in government, university, civil society and business sectors. The authors first derive a set of seven […]

28 October 2011

China’s Sea-Based Nuclear Deterrent in 2020: Four Alternative Futures for China’s SSBN Fleet

Thomas M. Skypek, “China’s Sea-Based Nuclear Deterrent in 2020: Four Alternative Futures for China’s SSBN Fleet,” in A Collection of Papers from the 2010 Nuclear Scholars Initiative (Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 2010).
This article addresses three major analytical questions: first, what are four alternative force structures for China’s nuclear ballistic missile submarine […]

28 October 2011

Somali Piracy: Political Lessons for the Navy

Martin N. Murphy, “Somali Piracy: Political Lessons for the Navy,” American Foreign Policy Interests, 33.1 (2011): 17-25.
This article argues that the navies operating to suppress piracy off Somalia are operating in what is effectively a policy vacuum. So long as that vacuum persists, piracy may be restricted but not eliminated. The financial cost of the […]

28 October 2011

Survivability of China’s Sea-Based Nuclear Forces

Wu Riqiang, “Survivability of China’s Sea-Based Nuclear Forces,” Science & Global Security, 19.2 (2011): 91-120.
The survivability of China’s ballistic missile submarines and submarine-launched ballistic missiles is examined. First, the Type 094 ballistic missile submarine is noisy and vulnerable even in shallow waters. This suggests the urgency for China to improve the quietness of the Type […]

28 October 2011

The Gathering Storm: China’s Challenge to US Power in Asia

John J. Mearsheimer, “The Gathering Storm: China’s Challenge to US Power in Asia,” The Chinese Journal of International Politics, 3 (2010): 381–96.
The United States has been the most powerful state on the planet for many decades and has deployed robust military forces in the Asia-Pacific region since the early years of the Second World War. […]

28 October 2011

Are Sri Lanka’s Relations with China Deepening? An Analysis of Economic, Military, and Diplomatic Data

Nilanthi Samaranayake, “Are Sri Lanka’s Relations with China Deepening? An Analysis of Economic, Military, and Diplomatic Data,” Asian Security, 7.2 (2011): 119-46.
During the past few years, Sri Lanka appears to have forged closer relations with China. Sri Lanka welcomed Chinese investment in building a port in Hambantota, arms from China for use in its civil […]

28 October 2011

The Driving Forces behind China’s Naval Modernization

Yves-Heng Lim, “The Driving Forces behind China’s Naval Modernization,” Comparative Strategy, 30:2 (2011): 105-20.
The rapid development of Chinese naval forces over the last decade has provoked much debate over where this modernization is headed. Observing the decennial evolution of Chinese naval forces, this article questions assumptions that China’s naval modernization can be mainly explained by […]

28 October 2011

Tanker Ownership in Non-OECD Countries and the Rise of Government-Owned Fleets

Al Wood, “Tanker Ownership in Non-OECD Countries and the Rise of Government-Owned Fleets,” Institute for International Economic Policy Working Paper Series, Elliott School of International Affairs, The George Washington University, August 2011.       
Abstract: This paper provides an historical perspective of the global oil-tanker market, the international tanker fleet, and the major trends in tanker ownership. The […]

28 October 2011

Beijing’s South China Sea Debate

Sarah Raine, “Beijing’s South China Sea Debate,” Survival, 53:5 (2011): 69-88.
The three million square kilometres of the South China Sea are of particular strategic importance. Sovereignty over a plethora of small islands, atolls, rocks and coral reefs, including the two main island groupings of the Spratlys and the Paracels, is contested through overlapping claims by […]

28 October 2011

Perils of the Deep: The Dangers of Submarine Proliferation in the Seas of East Asia

Sam Bateman, “Perils of the Deep: The Dangers of Submarine Proliferation in the Seas of East Asia,” Asian Security, 7.1 (2011).
Greater numbers of submarines are being acquired in the Asia-Pacific. This development poses challenges in the region for preventive diplomacy, maritime confidence building, and ensuring the safety of submarine operations. However, countries are extremely sensitive […]

28 October 2011

China’s Energy Security: Perception and Reality

Guy C.K. Leung, “China’s Energy Security: Perception and Reality,” Energy Policy, 39.3 (March 2011): 1330-37.
Abstract
China, now the world’s second-largest economy, is worried about energy security, which underpins the core objectives of Beijing and the political legitimacy of the Communist Party of China. The purpose of this study is to explore certain popular myths about China’s energy […]

28 October 2011

Crisis and Confidence: Major Powers and Maritime Security in Indo-Pacific Asia

Rory Medcalf and Raoul Heinrichs with Justin Jones, Crisis and Confidence: Major Powers and Maritime Security in Indo-Pacific Asia (Sydney: Lowy Institute for International Policy, June 2011).
The sea lanes of Indo-Pacific Asia are becoming more crowded, contested and vulnerable to armed strife. Naval and air forces are being strengthened amid shifting balances of economic and […]

28 October 2011

Mapping Chinese Oil and Gas Pipelines and Sea Routes

P. K. Gautam, “Mapping Chinese Oil and Gas Pipelines and Sea Routes,” Strategic Analysis, 35:4 (2011): 595-612.
Abstract: China is pursuing an energy policy to alleviate its import dependence, diversify the sources and routes of imported oil and prepare for supply disruption. China’s import of hydrocarbons is growing rapidly. Besides sea transport from West Asia and […]

28 October 2011

China’s New Energy-Security Debate

Andrew B. Kennedy, “China’s New Energy-Security Debate,” Survival 52:3 (2010): 137-58.
Over the past ten years, China’s soaring demand for energy has complicated its foreign relations on many fronts. China’s growing oil imports have sparked criticism that this demand puts upward pressure on world oil prices. Investments by China’s national oil companies have vexed governments trying […]

28 October 2011

China’s Naval Modernization: Reflections on a Symposium

Aki Nakai, “China’s Naval Modernization: Reflections on a Symposium,” Boston University Center for the Study of Asia, Occasional Paper on Asia 1 (February 2011).
The “rise of China” is on everyone’s lips these days, with the conversation being driven both by China’s rapid economic development and its military modernization. On November 9, 2010, the Boston University […]