Publication

This publication assesses how Chinese strategists perceive the Sino-Japanese naval balance, finding that Beijing anticipates an intensifying naval rivalry with Tokyo in the coming years. Indeed, the text’s author contends that the prospects of naval superiority will persuade Chinese statesmen and commanders to adopt an offensive strategy in a local maritime conflict against Japan. If left unaddressed, this local imbalance will place a strain on the US-Japan alliance and destabilize Asia. In response, the author urges Washington and Tokyo to recognize the Chinese challenge, act swiftly, and restore the naval balance.