The People's Republic of China's Preeminent Power Ambitions: An Assessment of Its Maritime Efforts

Historical references play a significant role in the determination of the People's Republic of China's ambitions and strategic doctrine. The imperial era laid the foundation for China's regional sphere of influence, and its self-proclaimed status as the "Middle Kingdom" and period of "humiliation" left indelible memories that help form policy to this day. Chinese leaders persist in their declaration that China will again reign as the preeminent power in Asia and thus become a major power in a multipolar world. In contemporary history, lessons learned from the fall of the Soviet Union, the 1991 Gulf War, the war in Kosovo, and the revolution in military affairs have also affected China's evolving strategic and military doctrines Through a study of China's military modernization and its actions in its Maritime periphery, this thesis assesses China's efforts towards the realization of its immediate political-military ambitions. This analysis concludes that China is successfully making strides in achieving its goals.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Defense and Strategic Studies

Year

2003

Author dc:creator

• Lambert, James P.

Contributors dc:contributor

• C. Walton

• Defense and Security Studies

Statement dc:rights

• © James P Lambert

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/713

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1714