One of China’s major strategic goals is to develop “area-denial” capabilities in the waters along its periphery, precluding foreign interference in potential regional conflicts or in the Taiwan Strait. The centerpiece of this naval modernization program is the acquisition of undersea weapons systems, including submarines and sea mines such as the advanced Kilo class submarine and several indigenous diesel submarine classes. Given the inherent difficulties of antisubmarine warfare and minesweeping operations, these capabilities will enhance China’s options for a wide range of naval scenarios.

What acquisitions and organizational changes will shape the emerging Chinese navy? How will new technologies such as air-independent propulsion affect naval warfare in the East Asian littoral? What is China’s strategy for employing sea mines and submarines? Will China shift toward a power-projection strategy as it develops broader global interests? On May 8, AEI will host Lyle Goldstein and Andrew Erickson of the Naval War College, who will address these and other questions relating to China’s undersea warfare.