China
China’s Continental Identity Against a Blue Horizon
In April 2025, China’s PLA Southern Theatre Command’s patrols in the South China Sea signify a shift in military strategy, enhancing maritime capabilities and reflecting a territorial view of maritime space.
PLA Patrols in the South China Sea
In April 2025, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theatre Command conducted a ‘routine patrol’ in the South China Sea, signifying a pivotal moment in China’s military operations beyond the first island chain. Historically, this geographical limitation restricted China’s maritime capability, yet these boundaries are now swiftly eroding, suggesting a bold shift in regional strategy.
Transformation of China’s Naval Power
China’s naval capabilities have reached unprecedented levels with over 370 vessels, outpacing the US Navy in numbers. The Shandong carrier strike group demonstrated its enhanced operational prowess in 2023 through extensive military drills, showcasing capabilities that were once speculative. This transformation aligns with China’s 2019 Defense White Paper, which emphasizes a focus on ‘far seas protection,’ highlighting the essential role of maritime power in achieving strategic objectives.
A Distinct Maritime Strategy
China’s maritime approach is rooted in a continental identity, diverging from traditional maritime powers that evolved organically into sea-based economies. Instead, China treats maritime domains as extensions of sovereign territory, termed ‘blue territory.’ This unique perspective explains China’s complex navigation of international maritime law, selectively adhering to provisions that support its claims while challenging those seen as restrictive, reinforcing its continental-style logic in maritime affairs.
