The latest report from the U.S.–China Economic and Security Review Commission offers a stark warning about the ongoing expansion of China’s military and economic reach in the Indo-Pacific. Much of the discussion has centered around the South China Sea; yet the scope of China’s strategy extends far beyond that. It involves a calculated effort to project power, enhance leverage, and disrupt Western influence in the region.
China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA-N) has evolved into a formidable blue-water fleet, regularly conducting operations across the Western Pacific, East China Sea, and beyond. As tensions rise, the PLA is accelerating its preparations for conflict, particularly regarding a rapid invasion of Taiwan. The expansion of China’s nuclear arsenal poses a growing threat to the United States and its forward-deployed forces. According to projections, the number of ships in the PLA Navy will rise from over 370 in 2024 to approximately 395 by 2025, with a potential increase to 435 by 2030. The unveiling of the Type 076 amphibious assault ship, capable of deploying advanced aerial support and troops, marks a significant leap in China’s maritime capabilities.
Recent military exercises, such as the April 2025 Strait Thunder drills, reveal China’s intention to simulate blockade operations and precision strikes against Taiwan. These drills demonstrated a readiness to conduct military operations dangerously close to Taiwanese territory, just 24 nautical miles from the island’s coast. Furthermore, in May 2025, the PLA Navy achieved a significant milestone by sailing two aircraft carriers beyond the first island chain into the second, indicating a strategic shift toward larger-scale naval operations.
China’s activities are not confined to the immediate waters surrounding Taiwan but extend into global maritime domains. The nation has expanded its operations throughout the Pacific Islands, utilizing naval diplomacy, intelligence-collection initiatives, and humanitarian missions. These efforts signal China’s strategic intent to prepare for potential conflicts involving Taiwan or broader Indo-Pacific scenarios.
In February 2025, the PLA Navy showcased its far-seas power through live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea, sending a message to regional powers like Australia and New Zealand. Joint drills involving the PLA Navy and Air Force demonstrated rapid power projection capabilities near critical chokepoints, further challenging U.S. allies’ positions in Asia.
China’s moves in Southeast Asia reveal its quest for regional dominance. Beijing aims to exert control over the South China Sea and secure access to critical sea lanes. Such control is crucial to bypass established routes like the Malacca Strait and ensure that U.S. forces do not have a foothold in the region during conflicts. The PLA’s expansion requires increased access to dual-use ports and infrastructure, underscoring a long-term tactical evolution supported by enhanced military technology, including AI capabilities.
Beijing’s influence also extends to Africa, where it collaborates with nations in military training, arms transfers, and joint exercises. This extensive military engagement helps China build lasting political and military ties across the continent. It has emerged as Africa’s largest arms supplier, striving for long-term alignment with several nations and thereby extending its geopolitical reach.
In Latin America, China’s growing presence is particularly concerning. The completion of thirty-seven port projects in the region may enable surveillance of U.S. naval operations and could support the PLA’s military deployments. Chancay Port in Peru, built with heavy Chinese investment, raises alarms among U.S. officials who suspect it could serve dual military purposes.
China’s naval ambitions are intricately linked to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This initiative not only facilitates trade but also addresses China’s strategic vulnerabilities. By investing in port infrastructure along vital sea lanes, Beijing is creating a “string of pearls” to ensure maritime security and freedom of navigation. Facilities like Gwadar in Pakistan, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, and Ream Naval Base in Cambodia are all designed to support both commercial and military operations, effectively extending China’s naval footprint without the diplomatic repercussions of establishing formal bases.
Ultimately, China is creating a robust infrastructure and logistical network required to maintain a blue-water navy. Should this trajectory continue unchecked, the implications are profound: China will not only possess the capacity to challenge the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific but could also exert global influence over American interests. The U.S. must heed this report’s warnings about the ongoing naval expansion and adjust its strategic responses to navigate an increasingly complex international landscape.
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