The Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) has released its report on China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)) — “The PLA Navy — New Capabilities and Missions for the 21st Century.”
Background
ONI’s most recent unclassified report on China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA(N)), "The PLA Navy — New Capabilities and Missions for the 21st Century," is meant to educate the Navy on this increasingly important player in the maritime arena. It is the first such report issued by ONI since 2009.
This publication provides an objective assessment of the state of the Chinese navy; is not a policy document; and is not meant to convey how the U.S. government views China's activities.
China’s focus remains on preparing for contingencies, such as Taiwan and actions in the South China Sea, but it has begun developing blue water naval capabilities.
China’s navy will continue to evolve with emerging capabilities such as its development of aircraft carriers.
Why focus on China?
China is increasing its operations around the world, including participating in multinational exercises, counter-piracy escort missions, humanitarian missions, and taking a greater role in protecting Chinese citizens abroad.
As China's navy grows in capability and expands its operations, the U.S Navy will more frequently operate with and near the Chinese navy. It is therefore increasingly important that U.S. Navy Sailors understand the Chinese navy at a basic level.
Highlights of the Report
The publication highlights China's evolving strategy, operations, capabilities and leadership. It also focuses on how China is advancing its maritime sovereignty claims in the South China Sea and East China Sea.
While primarily focused on the Chinese navy, the publication also highlights the important role the China coast guard is playing in China's maritime strategy.
The report includes two multimedia vignettes illustrating China's South China Sea maritime claims, and how China's naval capabilities form increasingly sophisticated defensive layers as a potential adversary nears China. Also included are three posters: China Equipment; Leadership Structure; and PLA(N) and Maritime Law Enforcement Agency Recognition Guide.
Facts and Figures
- The PLA(N) currently consists of over 300 surface combatants, submarines, amphibious ships, and anti-ship cruise missile equipped patrol craft.
- China's maritime law enforcement agencies now have more ships than Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines combined.
- The PLA(N) has continuously operated counter-piracy escort missions in the Gulf of Aden for more than six years.
The publication, videos and graphics can be viewed and downloaded via www.oni.navy.mil/Intelligence_Community/china.html.