Bernard D. Cole - Asian Maritime Strategies: Navigating Troubled Waters

ASIAN MARITIME
STRATEGIES

Navigating Troubled Waters

ASIAN MARITIME

STRATEGIES

Navigating Troubled Waters

BERNARD D. COLE

NAVAL INSTITUTE PRESS

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND

Naval Institute Press

291 Wood Road

Annapolis, MD 21402

2013 by Bernard D. Cole

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Cole, Bernard D., 1943-

Asian maritime strategies : navigating troubled waters / Bernard D. Cole.

1 online resource.

Summary: Asian Maritime Strategies explores one of the worlds most complex and dangerous maritime arenas. Asia, stretching from the Aleutian Islands to the Persian Gulf, contains the worlds busiest trade routes. It is also the scene of numerous maritime territorial disputes, pirate attacks, and terrorist threats. In response, the nations of the region are engaged in a nascent naval arms race. In this new work, Bernard Cole, author of the acclaimed The Great Wall At Sea, examines the maritime strategies and naval forces of the regions nations, as well as evaluating the threats and opportunities for cooperation at sea. The United States Navy is intimately involved in these disputes and opportunities, which threaten vital American economic, political, and security interests Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record and CIP data provided by publisher; resource not viewed.

ISBN 978-1-61251-313-3 (epub) 1. Sea-powerPacific Area. 2. Sea-powerPacific AreaHistory. 3. Pacific AreaStrategic aspects. 4. NaviesPacific Area. 5. NaviesAsia. I. Title.

VA620

359.03095dc23

2013022614

Print editions meet the requirements of ANSI/NISO z39.48-1992

(Permanence of Paper).

21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

First printing

Contents

I researched and wrote this book during a teaching sabbatical granted by the U.S. National Defense University for the 201112 academic year; I am grateful to the university president, Vice Adm. Ann Rondeau, USN, and to my commandant at the National War College, Rear Adm. Douglas McAneny, USN, for allowing me that privilege. At the college, Ms. Susan Schindler, Mr. David Pearson, and Ms. JoAnn Monroe were generous with their administrative support. The NDU Library, under the direction of Dr. Meg Tulloch, offered the hospitality of a temporary office and provided its usual superb research support; it remains the finest library with which I have ever worked, staffed with wonderful professionals.

Many U.S. and foreign naval officers and security analysts contributed information and opinions but must remain nameless. I was privileged to serve as a visiting senior scholar during the year at the Center for Naval Analyses, in Arlington, Virginia, where Dr. David Finkelstein welcomed me to his team of China experts. Among them I especially thank Dr. Thomas Bickford, Ms. Maryann Kivlehan, Dr. Scot Tanner, Dr. Albert Willner, Ms. Tamara Hemphill, and Ms. Rebecca Martin. Rear Adm. Michael McDevitt, USN (Ret.), also welcomed me to his delegation to India and continues to inspire as a sailor-scholar.

Several colleagues read parts or all of the manuscript and were generous with suggestions and corrections. These included Maj. Kenneth Allen, USAF (Ret.); Lt. Col. Dennis Blasko, USA (Ret.); Dr. Andrew Erickson; Cdr. Peter Dutton, USN (Ret.); Dr. Paul Godwin; Lt. Col. Roy Kamphausen, USA (Ret.); Capt. David Mayo, USN; Rear Adm. Eric McVadon, USN (Ret); Dr. Douglas Paal; Col. Susan Puska, USA (Ret.); Capt. Peter Swartz, USN (Ret.); Dr. Cynthia Watson; and Dr. Christopher Yung. I received my usual expert advice and assistance from the staff of the U.S. Naval Institute Press, especially Ms. Susan Brook and freelancer Mr. Pelham Boyer. Of course, all errors or omissions are my responsibility alone. The views in this book are my own and do not represent those of the Center for Naval Analyses, the National Defense University, or any other agency of the U.S. government.

Dr. Paul Godwin, senior member of the U.S. community of Peoples Liberation Army watchers, continues to serve as mentor and example of what a scholar should be. My biggest debt is to my companion and inspiration, Dr. Cynthia Watson, to whom this book is dedicated.