Chinese Naval Power and East Asian Security
Elizabeth Speed
August 1, 1997
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This paper examines the evolution of Chinese naval power and its consequent impact on East Asian security. Viewed historically, the 1970s marked a key turning point in the national recognition of Chinese maritime interests and the need to secure and promote them. The Chinese navy now has an offshore forward defence strategy and is in the midst of an extensive and ambitious naval modernization program. The reconfiguration of Chinese naval power poses a potential threat to East Asian stability and security. China increasingly has the capacity to challenge the territorial status quo in Asia and to alter significantly the regional balance of power. It is imperative that the emerging regional security framework encourage Chinese participation. Likewise, China must increase its level of military transparency in order to ease regional apprehensions.
