Executive Summary
This study analyzes the strategic competition between China and the United States in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on their evolving strategies and implications for regional security. It highlights China's economic and military modernization efforts and the US's balancing strategies through alliances and economic frameworks. The paper concludes that a dual leadership model has emerged, with regional states leveraging both powers.
Why It Matters
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the strategic competition between the US and China in the Indo-Pacific, detailing their respective strategies and military modernization efforts, which is crucial for understanding regional power dynamics and potential conflict flashpoints.
Key Takeaways
- China aims to become a world-class military power by 2049, with significant naval expansion and modernization of its armed forces by 2035.
Source evidence · PDF page 3
President Xi Jinping vision of China to become world class military power with abilities to fight and win wars by 2049 following its order to modernize China's armed forces by 2035, are some indicators to China’s global vision. Currently, China is, if not world most powerful but largest navy.
- China is developing advanced anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities, including ballistic and cruise missiles, to counter US intervention in its near seas and the Taiwan Strait.
Source evidence · PDF page 7
To enhance its military power and to contain the US’s intervention in its near seas and Taiwan Strait, China has built up weapons: short and medium-range ballistic missiles, anti-ship ballistic, ground and air-launched cruise missiles, missiles, advanced fighter aircraft and Anti-Access/Area-Denial (A2/AD) weapon technology.
- A dual leadership model has emerged in the Indo-Pacific, where regional countries benefit from China's economic security and the US's defense protection, creating a complex balance of power.],
Source evidence · PDF page 8
With growing economic dependency on China and military dependency on the U.S., a unique model of dual leadership has been emerged in the Indo-Pacific over the past three decades. This model reflects the balance of power system within the region which assures stability through distribution of powers, deterrence and prevention of hegemony.
Strategic Relevance
The strategic competition between the US and China in the Indo-Pacific is a defining feature of global geopolitics, impacting regional security, economic integration, and the future international order. Understanding the strategies, military developments, and responses of regional actors is critical for assessing stability and potential conflict.