Blue Water Dragon: China's Emerging Aircraft Carrier Force and U.S. Responses; Final rept

摘要

China has recently shown increased interest in acquiring aircraft carriers. China's changing economic interests and its geostrategic position at the beginning of the 21st century make this a viable option for Beijing's leadership. U.S. PACOM should seek to respond to this development in two ways: through cooperative engagement and by preparing for a PLAN carrier force in future conflicts. PLAN carriers should be integrated into disaster relief and maritime security operations conducted by U.S. forces. A PLAN carrier force could have a major impact on conflicts over Taiwan and in the South China Sea. Other nations in the PACOM AOR may seek to build up their naval forces in response to a PLAN blue water force. PACOM should seek to strengthen regional agreements and maintain a strong forward presence to assure allies in the region. Additionally, PACOM will need to increase defensive measures for its bases in the Western Pacific, and prepare to exploit PLAN carrier vulnerabilities in the event of a conflict.