The People\u27s Republic of China\u27s Preeminent Power Ambitions: An Assessment of Its Maritime Efforts

Historical references play a significant role in the determination of the People\u27s Republic of China\u27s ambitions and strategic doctrine. The imperial era laid the foundation for China\u27s regional sphere of influence, and its self-proclaimed status as the Middle Kingdom and period of humiliation left indelible memories that help form policy to this day. Chinese leaders persist in their declaration that China will again reign as the preeminent power in Asia and thus become a major power in a multipolar world. In contemporary history, lessons learned from the fall of the Soviet Union, the 1991 Gulf War, the war in Kosovo, and the revolution in military affairs have also affected China\u27s evolving strategic and military doctrines Through a study of China\u27s military modernization and its actions in its Maritime periphery, this thesis assesses China\u27s efforts towards the realization of its immediate political-military ambitions. This analysis concludes that China is successfully making strides in achieving its goals