Since late 2021, China’s military, the PLA, has been increasingly aggressive in its interactions with others in the Indo-Pacific region. As China’s navy and air force have grown in size and sophistication, so has their ability to shadow and intercept other armed forces operating within the South China Sea, the East China Sea, the Yellow Sea and beyond.
China’s air and maritime coercion
China’s excessive claims and sensitive areas
Outlines China’s excessive maritime claims and provides detail on why those claims are inconsistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Countries that challenge China’s excessive claims
Explores how countries use their militaries to challenge China’s excessive claims and uphold international law, rules and norms.
China's unsafe military interactions
Provides details of unsafe incidents in which China’s military has sought to intimidate and deter others.
China’s intercept tactics
Provides details on the tactics that China’s military uses to coerce and deter others.
What happens when there are serious incidents?
Investigates what could happen in a worst-case scenario (a serious incident between the PLA and another military, similar to the 2001 Hainan Island incident).
The CCP’s likely strategy
Provides analysis on why China’s military is acting in an increasingly aggressive manner and explores what Beijing might do next.
Policy considerations
Provides policy recommendations for governments seeking to manage China’s escalation.
