Category Archives: News

China’s Logistics Modernization is Changing the Pacific Military Balance

The well-worn formulation that “amateurs study tactics, while professionals study logistics” has significant explanatory power when considering the rapidly changing balance of power in the western Pacific. The well-worn formulation that “amateurs study tactics, while professionals study logistics” has significant explanatory power when considering the rapidly changing balance of power in the western Pacific. This […]

CHINA’S FAR SEAS NAVAL OPERATIONS, FROM THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE TO THE YEAR OF THE PIG

Every year, about this time, the leaders of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) send their regards to Chinese sailors deployed overseas during the Lunar New Year. Every year these messages are covered by the Chinese press. Few in China pay attention to these reports. Fewer foreign observers even know of them, but they should. […]

Philippines advised to treat Chinese firms fairly

Two Chinese companies are reportedly interested in buying the Philippines’ largest shipyard, once an important US naval base in the Pacific region. Some Philippine politicians have expressed concern over a possible Chinese takeover, saying it will be a very significant national security issue. An unexpected dilemma is brewing in the Philippines. Since the start of […]

China is working on killer robot ships of its own

ABU DHABI –The Chinese shipbuilder China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company is developing a small unmanned surface vessel that China wants to function essentially like the uninhabited baby brother of a U.S. Arleigh Burke destroyer. The JARI USV is a 20-ton, 15-meter boat that is orders of magnitude smaller than the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s […]

Tensions continue to simmer in the South China Sea

BEIJING — This is our weekly look at recent developments in the South China Sea, where China is pitted against smaller neighbors in multiple disputes over islands, coral reefs and lagoons in waters crucial for global commerce and rich in fish and potential oil and gas reserves: The top American military commander in the Indo-Pacific […]

US steps up freedom of navigation patrols in South China Sea to counter Beijing’s ambitions

The United States has stepped up its freedom of navigation operations in the disputed South China Sea as it challenges Beijing’s efforts to strengthen its maritime claims in the region. American officials have signalled Washington will boost measures to counter China’s expansion in the area, and include allies in future missions, but observers say Beijing […]

South China Sea: ‘We will sail WHEREVER we want’ warns US Navy as tensions RISE

THE US Navy sent two guided-missile destroyers close to the location of several territorial conflict zones in the South China Sea on Monday, prompting a brusque US justification for the move. The two guided-missile destroyers sailed near the Chinese manmade islands of Mischief Reef. Tensions in the region have soared recently as the US has […]

US commander pushes for more funding to counter China’s influence in Indo-Pacific

The US Indo-Pacific commander has urged America’s strategic decision-making body to increase financial investment in the region to counter China’s expanding economic and military influence. “Through fear and coercion, Beijing is working to expand its form of ideology in order to bend, break and replace the existing rules-based international order,” Admiral Phil Davidson told a […]

Allies, partners to join future US operations in South China Sea

MANILA, Philippines — As the United States steps up its presence in the disputed South China Sea, the US Indo-Pacific Command confirmed that allies and partners will be included in future operations. Speaking before the US Senate earlier this week, Indo-Pacific Command commander Adm. Philip Davidson noted how other countries have started stepping up its […]