“The Chinese do not seek to disturb the oceans, they seek to control them.”

Executive Summary

China’s naval force and weapon development suggest that the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) prioritizes dominance within the first island chain*, while bilateral maritime drills and port development projects suggest a desire to influence maritime routes globally. The third element of Chinese maritime policy involves grey zone operations. Evidence therein suggests that grey zone operations are under development to support PLAN operations. 

Recent aircraft carrier group movements have occurred predominantly in critical areas within the first island chain. Further they include testing range and maneuverability around Philippine and Japanese territorial waters. Bilateral drills with Russia and bilateral port development projects in Southeast Asia center around operating in key maritime routes. Lastly, grey zone operations directly align civilian-military assets and PLAN objectives. These involve island building in the South China Sea and the hybrid use of commercial vessels.

*Background: Within Chinese and US strategic circles, the first island chain (FIC) concept describes an archipelagic region. This extends from Japan’s southern territories (although some believe it begins from Kamchatka) through to Taiwan, the Phillipines, and down through the western edge of the South China Sea across Brunei’s coast ending in Malaysia. It encompasses the entire economic and military region. It is doctrinally and strategically important in security calculations for actors across the region.