In March the Congressional Research Service released a report called “China Naval Modernization: Implications for US Navy Capabilities”.

The report emphasizes an accelerated modernization of the People’s Liberation Army Navy that poses a great threat to the leadership of the US in Asia-Pacific Region (APR). According to authors, by year 2025 Chinese Navy will consist of 420 ships, and by year 2030 - of 460. Beijing is planning to pass into service its third Type 003 aircraft carrier, new Type 096 ballistic missiles nuclear submarines, unmanned surface and undersea vehicles.

The report also notes that China is pursuing the objective of power projection beyond the first island chain (Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines and Indonesia). Beijing is believed to intend to challenge the US Navy in the Western Pacific and to get sea trade routes under control.

Among other problems the report mentions the strengthening of the positions of the Chinese Navy in the water areas of East and South China seas and the Taiwan Strait; the executing operations in waters (anti-piracy and anti-drug campaigns); disaster control (China’s participation in the organization of humanitarian supplies for the Kingdom of Tonga in January-February is given as an example).

People’s Liberation Army Navy is seen as an essential part of Chinese anti-access/area denial policy. Beijing is allegedly trying to increase its potential in sea to impede US Navy operations in areas of its strategic interests. It is believed that achieving of this goal by China will undermine the status of the US as the leading naval power. The Pentagon is recommended to include Asia-Pacific forces in its joint exercises and to implement in the US Navy new combat platforms. The importance of completing the work on the concept of overcoming Chinese anti-access/area denial policy potential was also emphasized.

All in all, it is worth mentioning that accelerated modernization and expansion of the Chinese Navy is still in focus of the expert community. At the same time specialists are fully aware of Beijing’s ambition to build a modern fleet with global reach. The report appeals for The US Administration and Congress to take additional actions to deter Chinese military activity in APR. Without doubt American authorities are fully aware of this fact and will do everything necessary to contain China. As usual Beijing will have to face an opposition from Washington.