The Implications of China's Naval Modernization for the United States

In the past decade, China's approach to maritime security and its naval posture has evolved from that of a nation which focused on continental issues to one of a nation which recognizes that it has broad interests and economic interactions around the world. Much of China's energy and other resource needs are supplied by sea, and the bulk of what China exports moves by sea. In Beijing, senior leaders recognize that a modern China must build the capacity to protect its maritime interests. Also, as we will hear in one of the panels today, there are serious differences between the United States and China over issues related to activities in the exclusive economic zone that have led to military confrontation between our two navies in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. These differences have the potential to create volatile situations if they are not well addressed through diplomatic activity.