Abstract
Although China has not formally put forward an Indo-Pacific naval strategy, the new national defense strategy of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Fighting Regional Informatized War, has changed the strategy of the PLA Navy (PLAN) from focusing on one ocean (the Pacific) to focusing on two oceans (the Pacific and Indian). As part of its mission in the far seas, the PLAN will require new blue water capabilities in the medium to long term. In short, the Indian Ocean is becoming a linchpin for China’s new global naval reach. This essay argues that China is developing its military strategy for the Indian Ocean to protect and defend its economic and security interests in those waters. As a result, China’s maritime presence there will only increase over time.
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