The Great Wall at Sea: China's Navy Enters the Twenty-first Century

by Bernard D Cole USN (Ret.)

With the world's largest population, largest army, and fastest growing economy, China is now building a large modern navy to assure its status as Asia's predominant power. Yet the West is sorely limited in its knowledge of what could become its greatest naval opponent. This major new study--the first in more than fifteen years--provides the specialist and general reader alike with timely, authoritative information about China's developing navy and its quest for power. The author, a professor at the National War College, first looks at China's two-thousand-year-old maritime tradition and then examines China's extensive territorial claims at sea, following up with a path-blazing description of the nation's increasing dependence on energy sources mined from the ocean floor. The main focus of the book is a detailed examination of China's navy, its organization and its submarines, ships, and airplanes that form the heart of the sea-going force. The book also takes into account the officers and sailors who man the growing fleet and Beijing's efforts to train and educate them to be both professionally capable and politically reliable. China's future plans for its navy, including doctrine and operations, are fully discussed. In his conclusion, the author places China's naval developments within the context of national goals and plans as well as in the international arena. He asserts that Beijing will continue as a continental power with a maritime strategy and a navy focused on specific, limited goals, while reminding readers that the reunification of Taiwan is an objective that may well involve the United States.

Genres: China, Naval History, Military Fiction, History, Nonfiction, Asia

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. This is an excellent and comprehensive study on the capabilities and direction of the Chinese navy (PLAN). Although written in 2010, it clearly points to where the PLAN is in 2021. Two hundred pages of narrative are supplemented with another 100 pages of notes, making this a superb reference. The sections dealing with Taiwan are have current interest. Probably the most important point Cole makes regarding deficiencies in selected capabilities vis-a-vis the U.S. Navy: "There is nothing uniquely Chinese about 'asymmetry' in military operations, but no opponent should doubt PLAN commanders' ability to adapt and innovate in operational situations." (pg 196)

[Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book on the CNO's recommended reading list so I decided I would balance my normal genre of choice with something that I could use to develop my professional knowledge. The book does a fantastic job discussing many facets of China's navy, ranging from their organization, employment of doctrine, history, current objectives, as well as the ties between the Navy and the communist party.

[Ramberto · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is on the Chief of Naval Operation's Reading List and summarizes China's history at sea. It also seeks to understand China's current naval capabilities and assess her national intentions with regards to sea power.

The book is a bit out of date. The order of battle for all three Chinese Fleets do not reflect the recent acquisition of Song Class SS, Shang Class SSN, as well as Sovremeny Class DDGs and Kilo Class SSs purchased from Russia.

However, the book also draws very interesting conlusions about the state of Chinese naval readiness, the relative influence the Navy has compared to the Army in the Chinese political environment, and the difficulty of manning and maintaining a modern day Navy.

If you ignore the outdated order of battle, it is an informative and interesting read...not a bad at all.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overview of the Chinese Navy, it's tactics, fleet and history.

Why I started this book: Once again, working my way thru the Navy's Professional Reading List.

Why I finished it: Technically specific and a little dated, but still insightful as to the history and motivations of Chinese officials and their views of the Navy. I'm eager to read Red Star Over the Pacific: China's Rise and the Challenge to U.S. Maritime Strategy to see how if compares.

[Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing's easy to follow, introduces some important issues. Order of battle is dated, but no big deal.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent primer on Chinese maritime doctrine, force structure, and strategy regarding the East and South China Seas. It is somewhat out of date, but worth reading as background.