By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Securing America.

The Chinese Communist Party’s accelerating military build-up poses a significant threat to global security, with the PLA rapidly expanding its naval capabilities and exercising its forces in the South China Sea and beyond. Captain James Fanell, a distinguished veteran of the US Navy, discusses the implications of China’s growing naval power and its potential to disrupt the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region.

China’s Naval Expansion

According to Captain Fanell, the Chinese Navy is going to sea at a high rate, with a high operational tempo that is approaching that of the US Navy. This increased activity is providing the Chinese Navy with valuable experience, as they conduct flight operations on carriers, fly jet aircraft, and engage in anti-submarine warfare exercises. The Chinese are also expanding their military operations, with a recent exercise involving a carrier strike group in the Philippine Sea.

As Captain Fanell notes, ‘navies are only operationally ready when they go to sea.’ The Chinese Navy’s increased operational tempo is a significant concern, as it indicates a growing level of proficiency and capability. The US and its allies must take this threat seriously and develop a robust response to counter China’s assertive maritime claims.

The Purges and Corruption

Captain Fanell also discusses the recent purges within the Chinese military, which have been aimed at eliminating corruption and ensuring loyalty to the Communist Party. While these purges may have removed some ineffective or corrupt leaders, they have not degraded the operational effectiveness of the Chinese military. In fact, the purges may have actually improved the military’s readiness, as they have allowed for the promotion of more capable and loyal officers.

As Captain Fanell explains, ‘corruption is probably endemic in the Chinese system.’ The recent purges are an attempt to address this corruption and ensure that the military is focused on its core mission of advancing the Communist Party’s agenda. However, the extent to which these efforts will be successful remains to be seen.

Conclusion

The Chinese Communist Party’s accelerating military build-up poses a significant threat to global security, and the US and its allies must take this threat seriously. With the Chinese Navy rapidly expanding its capabilities and exercising its forces in the South China Sea and beyond, the need for a robust response to counter this threat has never been more urgent. As Captain Fanell warns, ‘quantity has a quality all its own,’ and the sheer scale of China’s naval expansion demands a comprehensive and coordinated response from the US and its allies.

The full episode of Securing America is available on OBBM Network TV.