Increasing of the Chinese Naval Power: New Political and Military Ambitions in the Region?

Abstract

With an effort to further develop the economic output of China and preserve her social stability, the Government of the People's Republic of China is strongly motivated to secure the on-going inflow of crucial raw materials concurrently with the continuing outflow of Chinese products outside the Mainland China. Regarding the fact that almost three quarters of the overall volume of transported resources as well as exported production is done by maritime routes, the PRC faces a strategic challenge to control these routes in order to prevent their interruption. This corresponds with the continuous growth of Chinese military expenditures and focus on the further PLA Navy development.