Red Star Over the Pacific

Summary

Combining a close knowledge of Asia and an ability to tap Chinese-language sources with naval combat experience and expertise in sea-power theory, the authors assess how the rise of Chinese sea power will affect U.S. maritime strategy in Asia. They argue that China is laying the groundwork for a sustained challenge to American primacy in maritime Asia, and to defend this hypothesis they look back to Alfred Thayer Mahan's sea-power theories, now popular with the Chinese.

Content Overview

The book considers how strategic thought about the sea shapes Beijing's deliberations and compares China’s geostrategic predicament to that of Kaiser Germany a century ago. It examines the Chinese navy’s operational concepts, tactics, and capabilities and appraises China’s ballistic-missile submarine fleet.

Conclusion

The authors conclude that unless Washington adapts, China will present a challenge to America’s strategic position.