China Could Use "Antiaccess" Strategies to Counter U.S. Military Superiority

Gaining Victory in Systems Warfare: China's Perspective on the U.S.-China Military Balance

“…Indeed, "final victory" could be realized by these noncontact means that were based on a combination of kinetic and nonkinetic attacks employing stealth platforms, advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), precision weapons, cyberattacks, and electronic warfare (EW). 57 Both wars taught the PLA that the defining characteristics of modern warfare had fundamentally changed because modern technology, used in service to the role of information in warfighting, had enabled a revolution in operational art. Most importantly, the PLA learned that it had to catch up or face defeat.…”

“…"Paralyzing the enemy's systems" centers the tailored application of force to reduce key areas of an enemy's functionality and gain initiative and control of battlefield developments. 57 The elements of this guiding concept take on added importance because key PLA researchers acknowledge that "there is still a large gap between our forces and those of our adversaries, and it will be difficult for our operational system to meet theirs in open conflict." 58 Another area that has been discussed regularly in PLA writings is the idea of "control," most often in the context of "war control."…”

“…PLA texts have noted that the struggle for control in modern warfare is an intense, multidomain effort requiring well-planned timing and sequencing. 60 Ultimately, control warfare is intended to ensure readiness across the peacetime-towartime spectrum through the development of a capable military system, an effective system for integrating and mobilizing military-civil resources, and 57 Wang Yongnan, 2015, p. 67. 58 Wang Yongnan, 2015, p. 69.…”

“…56 While this language seems to emphasize flourish at the expense of substance, this event reportedly was the first time that the CMC held a unified mobilization assembly to mark the beginning of annual training for the entire military. 57 Most notably, Xi issued orders that all units and training should be focused on preparing for war and training should consist of scenarios and content that reflect the complex environments in which PLA units may have to operate.…”

Contest for Dominance: US–China Rivalry in Asia

“…Furthermore, perhaps, for the first time in the history of American dominance in Asia, America’s key strategic interests and commitments are being severely threatened by China’s A2/AD strategy (Cliff et al 2007). A2/AD strategy is an application of ‘a series of interrelated missile, sensor, guidance, and other technologies designed to deny freedom of movement to hostile powers in the air and waters off its coast’ (Biddle and Oelrich 2016, 7).…”