The U.S. Navy has released a new strategic document focused on countering China’s aggression in the Indo-Pacific region. The document, titled “Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy,” emphasizes the need for a larger and more lethal force to be ready for sustained combat by 2027. It specifically highlights China’s preparations for a possible invasion of Taiwan in the same year.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) claims that Taiwan is part of its territory and must be united with the mainland, while Taiwan is self-governed by a democratically elected government and has never been controlled by the CCP. Despite this, CCP leader Xi Jinping has ordered the military to prepare for war and develop capabilities required to invade Taiwan.
China has been engaged in an extensive shipbuilding spree, expanding its fleet, drone capabilities, and nuclear arsenal over the past decade. Of particular concern is China’s development of advanced aircraft carriers and destroyers, which poses challenges for the United States as it maintains its global military presence with fewer ships than China.
A congressional report published in July highlighted that the U.S. military lacks both capabilities and capacity to confidently deter or prevail against China in combat. The report also predicted increased hostile behavior from China around Taiwan as it takes advantage of America’s inability to deter conflict.
To address these challenges, Project 33 aims to eliminate maintenance delays, increase autonomous systems usage, boost navy recruitment efforts, among other goals outlined in the new Navy document. The integration of proven robotic and autonomous systems is seen as crucial for near-term operational challenges.
The document also acknowledges that China’s joint forces are developing into an integrated fighting force designed specifically to defeat American forces. It calls on Congress to secure critical supply chains and envisions all fleet headquarters having their own maritime operations centers.
In conclusion (not included), meeting all objectives outlined in this Navigation Plan will ensure that the U.S. Navy can maintain superiority in command and control even against a numerically superior foe like China.
