China's leadership has paid increasing attention to the oceans. Chinese documents, including the 2010 State Oceanic Administration report and last year's 18th Party Congress work report, are replete with references to "blue soil" and the need to "build a strong, maritime nation (jianshe haiyang qiangguo)."

Not surprisingly, the oceans have assumed a growing importance in Chinese military calculations as well. When Hu Jintao enunciated the "new strategic missions" for the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 2004, the maritime domain was specifically listed, alongside the space and cyber domains, as arenas where the PLA must be prepared to defend China's national interests.

Chinese defense minister Chang Wanquan, in his meetings with U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel in August 2013, reiterated the importance of the oceans. General Chang warned, "No one should fantasize that China would barter away our core interests, and no one should underestimate our will and determination in defending our territory, sovereignty and maritime rights."[3]

The intent to defend China's perceived maritime interests is reflected in the growing reach and capability of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Over the past two decades, it has shifted from a mostly "green-water" navy, focused on patrolling the Chinese littoral, to a blue-water force. Alongside missile-armed fast attack craft, such as the Type 022 Houbei, there is a growing array of sophisticated frigates and destroyers capable of much more extended operations at sea. These major surface combatants, moreover, are being constructed by the dozen, rather than in twos and fours, as was the case through the 1990s.

Then there is the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning. Since conducting its first sea trials in 2011, the ship has steadily expanded operations, including conventional flight operations by China's nascent corps of carrier pilots. While not ready for 24/7 flight operations along the lines of a U.S. Nimitz-class vessel, the Chinese have clearly moved to basic takeoffs and landings ahead of projections.

China meanwhile has also commissioned a number of underway replenishment ships-an essential part of any future carrier operation. Coupled with China's growing fleet of surface combatants, the military means of supporting China's goal of being a "strong maritime power" are being put into place.

As with so many other Chinese efforts, the goal of making China a "strong maritime power" will not be achieved overnight. At a recent conference held in Shanghai, Chinese scholars laid out a 30-year plan. By 2020, the objective is to make China one of the world's top eight maritime powers. By 2030, China expects to be a mid-level maritime nation among the top five maritime powers. By 2049-in time for the hundredth anniversary of the founding of the PRC-the goal is to be one of the top three maritime powers.[4]