The Great Wall at Sea ─ China's Navy in the Twenty-First Century

In this new edition, Bernard Cole revises his acclaimed study of China's Navy as it continues to grow in the unfolding twenty-first century while the U.S. Navy is shrinking. The Great Wall at Sea, Second Edition focuses on China's maritime territorial and economic interests, which include the East and South China Seas and which also hold significant implications for the Indian Ocean and, indeed, for the global maritime picture. Of particular note is Beijing's increased attention to guarding its vital sea lanes of communication, given China's increasing dependence on maritime trade, chiefly the importation of energy supplies.

Cole provides a thorough description of China's naval establishment, including its personnel structure, running the gamut from the conscription system to onboard ship training, and he notes that the political commissar system permeates its navy. He offers a detailed examination and evaluation of China's naval doctrine, operations, and the nation's maritime strategy and addresses the Chinese Navy's attempt to take full advantage of technological advances while being careful not to overspend on defense. Cole's findings are summarized in a concluding chapter, which notes that despite double-digit defense budget increases, Beijing is focusing its naval modernization goals on realizing specific national interests, such as finally determining the status of Taiwan.

"Bernard Cole has done a great service in this thorough and thoughtful revision of the Great Wall at Sea, his authoritative treatment of the modern Chinese Navy. Cole's comprehensive coverage, clear organization, cogent writing, thorough documentation, and balanced analysis create the best available study for the wide range of readers seeking better understanding of China's Navy, a defining element of the security environment in the 21st century. Robert Sutter, Visiting Professor of Asian Studies, School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University

Bernard D. Cole is a professor at the National War College in Washington, D.C. He served thirty years in the Navy, commanding USS Rathburne (FF 1057) and Destroyer Squadron 35. He received a PhD from Auburn University and is also the author of Taiwan's Security: History and Prospects and Sea Lanes and Pipelines: Energy Security in Asia. The first edition of The Great Wall at Sea was a selection of the Navy Professional Reading Program.