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China’s most significant ambitious goals is to build a world-class navy that can rival the US by 2049. In 2049, China will be celebrating 100 years since the founding of the People’s Republic and it aims to become a dominant military power in the world by that time.
Illustration by The Geostrata
According to a recent report from the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), a government-backed think tank analysed China’s naval expansion and suggested key lessons for Russia. China is strengthening its military capabilities and Russia is watching closely and trying to learn from China’s strategies to strengthen its own defence capability.
CHINA’S NAVAL EXPANSION PLAN
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) is growing at an impressive rate, by building more aircraft carriers, missile equipped warships and amphibious assault vessels. China is also working on advanced technologies like AI and hypersonic weapons to give it an edge in future conflicts.
An important strength of China is its massive shipbuilding industry and that is fueling its naval growth. China is making warships faster than any other country in the world to make the PLAN the world’s largest navy by ship numbers.
On one side, the US focuses on building high tech and versatile naval vessels, on the other side China is combining traditional warships with next generation vessels designed for cyber and electronic warfare and other kinds of combat ships.
LEARNINGS FROM CHINA
Russia normally focuses on land based military power but is now watching China’s naval development closely. Vasily Kashin, who is one of the authors of the RIAC report, mentioned that Russia is particularly interested in how China is updating and improving its defence industry. Like the Soviet Union, where the military industry was only for the armed forces but China combined its defence industry with the civilian economy. This approach could help to foster greater innovation and development.
One of the important lessons for Russia is the combining of civilian and military technologies. China has already developed AI powered weapons, advanced missile systems and cyber warfare tools by combining the two sectors. Russia faces difficulties in modernisation because of the sanctions and bad infrastructure.
Kashin stated that Russia can not directly copy China’s approach but can adapt elements of it to improve its own military industry because Russia’s military structure is different from China. China’s speed of advancing highlights the urgency for Russia to modernise and find new innovative ways to integrate new technologies into military purposes.
THE ECONOMIC FACTOR
Managing defence spending is another important difference between China and Russia. China is the second largest economy in the world and spends less than 1.5% of its GDP on defence. This helps China to invest in long term military projects without affecting its economy. But Russia cannot afford such expensive investments because it has a smaller economy and also faces financial constraints due to sanctions.
China’s economic power also helps to fund its high tech military advancements. According to the RIAC report, China could have around 1500 nuclear warheads by 2035 and that would strengthen its strategic deterrence. Although Russia has one of the largest nuclear arsenals in the world, China’s growing nuclear capability could change the global security dynamics.
GLOBAL IMPLICATIONS
The RIAC report highlighted China’s efforts to establish military bases and supply points in Africa and the Middle East. This expansion could challenge the US over important trade routes and force Russia to reconsider its own naval strategy.
China’s increasing naval power is a global concern because the PLAN is extending its reach beyond the Asia-Pacific region. China’s long range military capabilities could also limit the US’s ability to defend its allies in the Asia-Pacific region.
PLAN's rapid growth forces countries like Japan, South Korea and Australia to reevaluate their defence policies. China's growing influence creates chances for new diplomatic and strategic partnerships for Russia.
RUSSIA’S NAVAL STRATEGY
Russia has a strong military but lags behind China in naval developments. Russia particularly focused on nuclear powered submarines capable of launching ballistic missiles and these submarines remain a critical part of Russia’s defence Strategy. But Russia may need to invest in surface ships, aircraft carriers and other advanced maritime technologies.
One challenge for Russia is its limited naval presence beyond its immediate regions. The US and China have several overseas bases but Russia’s navy operates primarily in the Arctic, Baltic Sea and Black Sea. If Russia wants to maintain its influence in global maritime affairs then it needs to form strong partnerships with other countries and expand its naval capabilities without expanding its resources. China’s rise as a naval power is reshaping the global military dynamics, with Russia closely observing the changes.
China’s transformation in military strategy, technological innovation and naval expansion offers important lessons for Russia to modernise its defence industry. Russia can learn from China’s success and adapt its own strategies.
China’s naval ambitions are creating new challenges for global security. As China’s grows, countries need to rethink their defence strategies and alliances including Russia. This shift in the global military landscape could change cooperation between countries or create new rivalries, leaving only one thing clear that China and Russia will play a key role in shaping the future.
BY RAHUL MONDAL
TEAM GEOSTRATA
En explorant la vallée de lourika, on ressent immédiatement la générosité de la population locale, qui accueille les voyageurs avec une hospitalité sincère. Les marchés traditionnels et les villages typiques permettent d’apprécier l’authenticité et la richesse culturelle de la région.
Collaborer avec une agence de communication expérimentée représente un atout majeur pour accroître la notoriété d’une entreprise, car ses conseils et ses actions s’appuient sur une connaissance fine du marché et des publics cibles. Le résultat est une visibilité renforcée et une réputation professionnelle mieux établie.
China's naval rise is reshaping global power dynamics, and Russia's adaptations will be crucial. Indeed an insightful article!
Insightful article
China’s increasing naval presence is not alarming for just Russia but a wake up call for the world.
With this investing over building a strong Naval power is need of the hour.