The numbers game: why the US is losing ground to China in the first island chain

AI Summary

The article analyzes the evolving military strategy of China's People’s Liberation Army as it approaches its 100th anniversary. It highlights China's efforts to develop a world-class military capable of challenging US dominance in the first island chain in the near seas region.

As the People’s Liberation Army marks its 99th anniversary on August 1, one year from the deadline for its centenary goals, its evolution highlights the past, present and future of China’s military strategy. In the second part of a series, Gabriel Dominguez examines how Beijing is pushing the envelope on its near-seas island arc. Beijing has urged the People’s Liberation Army to transform into a “world-class military” by the mid-21st century, intent on piercing US-led chokepoints along an arc of...