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Big news in mil-mil land. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command commander Samuel Paparo held a video call with the PLA Southern Theater commander, Wu Yanan (吴亚男). The first time an INDOPACOM Commander has held direct talks with a Southern Theater Commander. The U.S. had requested talks with both ETC commanders and STC commanders for years, but was rebuffed. Now, after the Woodside summit, and the recent Sullivan visit with CMC VC Zhang Youxia in Beijing, seems like momentum was ripe for making the call happen, I’m skeptical that the call will amount to any concrete measures or outcomes. More so to agree on the importance of maintaining open communications, etc. But in a crisis in the Indo-pacific, it would benefit from having these 2 commanders, who now have established a personal relationship, talk about any dangerous incidents between the two militaries in the air and sea, and find a way to de-escalate. I’m highly skeptical any new mil-mil channel will fundamentally change the incongruent interests and goals between the two sides. But talking is better than not. https://lnkd.in/eExacMgB

As US-China competition heats up, one area of concern for security scholars is that of a potential conflict over Taiwan. SSP Director M. Taylor Fravel speaks with Engaging the Eagle to explore this important topic. Check out the full podcast:  https://lnkd.in/gJBHG-24

China Navy Watchers: If you read one document about China's Navy today, read China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI) Note 9.  This CMSI Note is available here: https://lnkd.in/esdxkWRG  A link to the publication and to other CMSI Notes is provided in the comments below. This note is filled with penetrating insights on the current warfighting focus of the People's Liberation Army #Navy (PLAN). It is drawn from a very recent article in the journal China Military Science. The #China #Military #Science article focuses on the operational capabilities sought by the #PLAN as part of its transformational efforts to build a world-class navy. Key takeaways from #CMSI Note 9 are: * The PLAN is prioritizing the development of what it calls “four core operational capabilities.” These capabilities include 1) integrated near seas operations, 2) far seas mobile operations, 3) strategic deterrence and counterstrike, and 4) amphibious warfare. * Analysis of Chinese writings suggest the focus of these efforts is on prevailing in a high-end conflict involving the U.S. military. * The PLAN seeks the ability to dominate the near seas, strike U.S. bases and sea lines of communication in waters east of the first island chain and in the #Indian Ocean, achieve “reliable, credible, and effective” deterrence against the U.S. through SSBN patrols within and beyond the first island chain, and execute sophisticated multi-domain amphibious operations against U.S. allies and partners. CMSI Note 9 uses the China Military Science article to define each of these operational capabilities and address the geographic context the PLAN considers when evaluating their application.  Critical information for strategic leaders and the operational commanders and the tactical warfighter. Kudos to CMSI's own Professor Ryan Martinson for his operational insights and excellent research. U.S. Naval War College Naval War College Foundation #BadPanda