A2/AD in China's Maritime Military Strategy

A2/AD stands for "Anti-Access/Area Denial," a concept at the heart of China's modern maritime strategy. This strategy prevents the military forces of potential adversaries, primarily with the United States in mind, from approaching or operating freely in waters that are important to China.

Specific examples of A2 (proximity interdiction) elements:.

Development and deployment of anti-ship ballistic missiles such as the DF-21D and DF-26

Increasing the number of quiet, conventional-powered and nuclear-powered submarines

Increased cyber capabilities to attack enemy command and control systems

Examples of AD (Area Denial) elements:.

Deployment of YJ-12, YJ-18, and other anti-ship cruise missiles in coastal areas

Modernization of air power through the introduction of J-20 stealth fighters and aerial refueling aircraft

Deployment of gray zone tactics by maritime militias using fishing boats

The specific background of China's adoption of the A2/AD strategy is as follows

Preventing U.S. military intervention in Taiwan contingencies

Strengthening effective control over territorially disputed waters such as the Nansha and Senkaku Islands

Aiming to reduce the functionality of U.S. military bases within the first island chain, such as Guam and Okinawa

The implementation of the A2/AD strategy has provided China with the following tangible advantages

Establishment of military superiority in the East China Sea and South China Sea

Expanding its influence over ASEAN countries

Limiting the activities of U.S. carrier strike groups and increasing the cost of intervention

On the other hand, this strategy faces the following specific challenges

Increased military tensions with neighboring countries such as Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam

Rapid increase in defense spending due to the development and deployment of high-performance missiles and naval vessels

Conflicts with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the principle of "freedom of navigation

The A2/AD strategy is an important aspect of China's military modernization and maritime expansion, and will continue to have a significant impact on the security environment in East Asia. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that it is a factor contributing to increased U.S.-China military tensions in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.