Publication

This book focuses on the modernization of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and its changing role as a regional security actor. The chapters, by various authors, provide considerable insight into the drivers of Chinese naval modernization, how this is being reflected in PLAN hardware acquisitions and personnel policies, and how the PLAN may use its new capabilities both in peacetime settings and in event of military crisis or conflict. The first section provides historical discussions of the experience of other rising major powers in relation to their maritime capabilities. The second section addresses the rationales for China’s naval modernization, the third the specifics of PLA Navy force capabilities, and the fourth how the PLA Navy might use its improved naval capabilities. The concluding chapter summarizes the overall findings.