The US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard on December 27 jointly issued their clearest argument yet on what preparations the US military needs to take to confront China, focusing not only on what should be done in future hypothetical scenarios, but also on the day-to-day competition taking place at sea today.
The Chief of Naval Operations and the commanders of the Marine Corps and Coast Guard signed a three-service maritime strategy called ‘Maritime Superiority: Winning with A Comprehensive, all-area Navy,’ ACCORDING to a report Thursday by THE USNI News. The report is described as the first major report since the 2015 release of the U.S. military’s 21st Century Maritime Power Cooperation Strategy. The three major U.S. naval forces now need to work together to prepare for a high-end war with China, but just as importantly, they need a strategy and the right tools to deal with the day-to-day competition that the Chinese military is now engaged in, sometimes referred to as “Operation Gray Zone,” the report said.
The strategy report accuses China of attacking military and civilian networks; Sending auxiliary naval forces disguised as civilian ships; Militarizing disputed islands and rock formations in the South China Sea; Building strategic, space, cyber, electronic, and psychological warfare capabilities; Put economic pressure on small countries to build overseas logistics and base infrastructure in strategic maritime locations. These activities have been going on for many years, but the US military has not been well positioned to discuss or counter them, the report said.
The new strategy looks at the entire continuum of competition, crisis and conflict, and takes a detailed look at how the U.S. maritime forces can function at each stage and what new tools and concepts they need to succeed, the report said. The document begins by outlining the main issues, “Maritime Superiority is a three-service maritime strategy that focuses on China and Russia as the two most important threats to this era of global peace and prosperity. We prioritize competition with China because of its growing economic and military power, its increasing aggressiveness, and its demonstrated intention to dominate the waters of its region and reshape an international order in its favor. Unless China chooses to act as a responsible stakeholder rather than flaunt its power to advance its dictatorial interests, it represents the most comprehensive threat to the United States, our Allies, and all nations that support a free and open system.”
In his foreword to the report, U.S. Naval Operations Chief Kenneth J. Braithwaite wrote to the American People, “It has been 75 years since our combined maritime forces won World War II. Each sailor, Marine, and Coastguardman used his courage and strength to dominate at sea, under sea, and in the sky, projecting power overseas while protecting shores at home. It will also require innovation and cooperation within the Navy, allied forces, and the entire industrial base on an unprecedented scale. We won the war and have fought together ever since to protect the peace, to the great benefit of our country, our Allies and the world.”
As detailed in the following pages, the rules-based international order is once again under attack. We must be prepared as a unified naval force to make sure that we can meet the challenge. The men and women in our uniforms are ready, determined, and dedicated. To serve with honor, courage, and commitment. It is our responsibility as leaders to make sure that they are prepared, equipped and trained to win in the long term strategic competition, to win any possible battle and to keep the peace for the future.”
He added, “The strategy details the direction that our heads of departments have designed together. It is a strong signal of support for our people, Allies and partners, and a cautionary tale. Give warning to any potential enemies. We are, and always will be, a force — an ‘ever-fortress,’ an ‘ever-loyal,’ an ‘ever-partner’ — always strong, always loyal, always ready to protect and defend America, in all weather and around the world.”
Recent Comments