China, United States, and 21st-century Sea Power

China’s reaction to the United States’ new maritime strategy will significantly impact its success, according to three Naval War College professors. Based on the premise that preventing wars is as important as winning wars, they explain that this new U.S. strategy embodies an historic reassessment of the international system and how the United States can best pursue its interests in co-operation with other nations. The authors contend that despite recent turbulence in military relations between the U.S and China, substantial shared interests could enable extensive U.S.-China maritime security co-operation, as they attempt to reach an understanding of“competitive coexistence.” For professionals to structure co-operation, however, they warn that Washington and Beijing must create sufficient political and institutional space. About the Authors Andrew S. Erickson and Lyle J. Goldstein are associate professors in the U.S. Naval War College’s Strategic Research Department and founding members of its China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI). They coauthored China Goes to Sea. Nan Li is an associate professor at CMSI.