Xiaobing Li, professor of history and Don Betz Endowed Chair in International Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma, joins the podcast to discuss his new book 'China’s New Navy'. They explore the origins and development of the PLA Navy, China's naval plan, Beijing's strategies towards Taiwan, and the PLA's level of confidence in combat.
Understanding the historical development of China's navy provides insights into its current and future capabilities.
The influence of politics, particularly loyalty to the Communist Party, plays a significant role in shaping the development of China's navy.
Deep dives
Development of China's Navy from 1949 to 2009
The podcast discusses the historical development of China's navy, starting from its establishment in 1949 until 2009. The PLA Navy, also known as the PLAN, initially focused on offshore operations and the consolidation of the communist regime. It played a crucial role in the Chinese Civil War, engaging in successful landing campaigns and gradually expanding its capabilities. During the 1960s and 1970s, the PLAN transitioned from a defensive force to an offensive one, engaging in battles in the Taiwan Strait. The podcast highlights the importance of understanding the PLAN's operational history to gain insights into its current and future capabilities.
The Influence of Politics on China's Navy
The podcast explores the influence of politics on the development of China's navy. It discusses how political consciousness and professionalism have been emphasized within the PLA, with an emphasis on loyalty to the Communist Party. The podcast describes the challenges of striking a balance between political loyalty and professional competence. The discussion also focuses on the current political climate under Xi Jinping's leadership, highlighting the increasing prioritization of political loyalty within the PLA.
The Plan's Path to Becoming a Blue Water Navy
The podcast delves into the transformation of the PLA Navy into a blue water navy during the 1990s. It discusses how China's economic growth and dependence on foreign shipping led to the strategic decision to develop a strong navy. Under Jiang Zemin's leadership, the PLA Navy was given greater prominence, with Admiral Liu Huaqing playing a pivotal role in advocating for maritime power. The podcast also mentions the PLAN's shift from a defensive force to an offensive one, highlighting the importance of China's maritime sovereignty and national defense.
In this episode of Pekingology, Freeman Chair in China Studies Jude Blanchette is joined by Xiaobing Li, professor of history and Don Betz Endowed Chair in International Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma to discuss his new book China’s New Navy: The Evolution of PLAN from the People’s Revolution to a 21st Century Cold War.
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