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Red Star Over the Pacific Hardcover – November 15, 2010
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- Print length292 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherNaval Institute Press
- Publication dateNovember 15, 2010
- Dimensions6 x 0.75 x 9 inches
- ISBN-10159114390X
- ISBN-13978-1591143901
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The steady and systematic rise of Chinese sea power will soon present a fundamental challenge to the mastery which the U.S. Navy has maintained in the western Pacific for almost seven decades. In this outstanding book, Yoshihara and Holmes provide us with the definitive analysis of an impending revolution in naval affairs, as China extends its capability to control access over all of its littoral seas and Taiwan, and indeed within the entire Pacific first island chain. ... Every American maritime strategist and naval commander will want to read this vitally important book. --James Kurth, Claude C. Smith Professor of Political Science, Emeritus, Swarthmore College
The shifting strategic balance between the United States and China as Beijing develops the country s seapower will be one of the major issues of the 21st century. While the authors of this thoughtful and expert study show that the motives behind Chinese expansion may not necessarily imply malign intent, and certainly should not automatically be treated that way by Washington, they do show that the United States is bound to be increasingly preoccupied by the consequences of this major challenge. --Geoffrey Till Professor of Maritime Studies, King's College London
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- Publisher : Naval Institute Press; First Edition (November 15, 2010)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 292 pages
- ISBN-10 : 159114390X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1591143901
- Item Weight : 1.2 pounds
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.75 x 9 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #3,357,967 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #7,375 in Naval Military History
- #28,117 in American Military History
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This book starts to look at American Mahan with his two tridents. The Chinese navy started to study and evaluate this American for guidance and inspiration. The scholars draw historic models from Germany, Russia and Japan. They are keen in checking Zhang He, the famous Ming Dynasty navigator for his seven voyages to Red Sea and Aftrica. History documented that the trips did not sign one unequal treaty, claim any territory, bring back a slave and did wipe out pirates, disseminated benevolence to friendly nations with tea, silk, cloth, chinaware and culture. He brought back trust and friendship , a world-level example of peace and friendly exchange (P.171). Modern China rises peaceflly and will not seek hegemony (p.162)
Japan was a bad student of Mahan and failed miserably in WW II. World free navigation cannot be sustained for long without the security guarantees that only the U S Navy can furnish. (p.55) The scholars warn Western obsevers should avoid projectory their own asumptions onto Chinese strategic thinkers (p.37).
This book is current, relevant and offers insights and naval strategy in view of recent development in South China Sea. It is great national consideration on war and peace!
Authors arguments run as follows: China has become a maritime nation. It has started depending on overseas trade for continued prosperity. Under the changed circumstances Beijing feels it necessary to have a powerful fleet to protect its maritime communications from possible depredations from would-be hostile powers.
A careful look at the map shows China - just as Imperial Germany - is shackled by a disastrous maritime geography. Nature has imposed barriers to China’s access to high seas. China’s coast is enclosed by a water body formed by nations of the ASEAN bloc.The Yellow Sea, South China Sea, and East China seas are cocooned by Korean peninsula and Japan’s four islands.
If a conflict were to break out US navy could corral the PLA Navy by closing Malacca, Lombok, Sunda straits to shipping. The country would become vulnerable to economic pressure. Beijing cannot allow this to happen. Taiwan offers the only access to open seas. So the control of it is essential to prevent a maritime stranglehold.
This is a hypothetical scenario. As an antidote, PLA navy is developing sea denial/anti-access capabilities. This is basically a defensive strategy executed by inferior naval powers by employing offensive means. For that Beijing is developing appropriate military hardware.
China’s ASBMs are capable of striking surface units of the US fleet. Deployment of such systems could keep US navy’s carrier strike groups at a distance. Range and accuracy of ASBMs have steadily improved extending the combat radius of PLA navy. China, therefore, managed to push its defensive envelope far beyond its territorial waters. Destroyers equipped with sophisticated radars, anti-ship, anti-aircraft missile systems form the backbone of the Chinese surface fleet.
However, new weapon systems on the anvil, authors feel could upset the naval balance of power. For instance, China’s latest land-based ASBMs feature precision strike capability and carry MRV warheads designed to defeat American BMDs. Authors examine tactics Chinese have developed to breach layered defenses protecting US carrier battle groups. AEGIS –equipped vessels screen American aircraft carriers. In the future AEGIS systems may have to cope with threats emanating from multiple axes.
Of late, China has deployed diesel-powered submarines with stealth capabilities. They are difficult to detect and track in shallow waters. The sudden appearance of Yuan-class submarines took American intelligence community by surprise. Authors claim China is on the road to acquiring blue water capability. Establishment of bases in the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal to provide logistical support has sent alarm bells ringing in the region. Indians look very much concerned.
Paradoxically, after exposing the ominous nature of Chinese naval build-up the authors don’t foresee the prospect of an armed conflict breaking out. Because they claim that we live in a globalized world, and economic interdependence rules out this possibility.
Nonetheless, authors believe erosion of US naval hegemony is slowly in progress. Authors warn Washington should pay more attention to China’s strategic modernization program. West must shed its condescending attitude towards other cultures. West must stop believing innate superiority of its way in doing things and adopt more pragmatic and open approach toward other nations.
The book is a prescription for US naval strategists to perpetuate its hold on the region. Authors do not relish an established order toppled by an upstart nation. Erudite in nature and not meant for the common man, the book is included in the professional reading list for the serving members of the US navy.




