Posted on 05/15/2026 2:10:14 PM PDT by Retain Mike
The 2025 article marks a significant evolution. It adapts Maoist strategy as a framework for far-seas operations, showing how a weaker force might offset U.S. advantages through asymmetric means. In doing so, it envisions not only countering intervention in a Taiwan conflict, but also protecting China’s global maritime interests. The application of Mao’s doctrine at sea signals ambitions well beyond regional defense—toward a PLAN capable of contesting influence across the world’s oceans.
Once in place, these seemingly civilian platforms, operating in coordination with military forces, would be poised to exploit U.S. vulnerabilities in wartime. They would target critical nodes and weak links, undermining the United States’ ability to sustain operations in the far seas. At its core, the concept transforms civilian platforms into forward-deployed instruments of military power, intentionally blurring the line between commerce, science, and combat in preparation for a high-end conflict. However, the authors argue that sustaining such operations requires more than tactical infiltration; it demands the mobilization of the nation’s full range of resources.
(Excerpt) Read more at usni.org ...
Dear FRiends,
We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.
If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:
Click here: to donate by Credit Card
Or here: to donate by PayPal
Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794
Thank you very much and God bless you,
Jim
I think that’s a naïve remark, the United States has numerous national interests in Taiwan remaining a free and separate country from Communist China. Regional Asian interests, including South Korea and Japan will not allow China to conquer Taiwan.
My belief is that today the United States has the ability to win a conflict over Taiwan. I also believe that President Trump is reinvigorating our military industrial complex to the point that we will be able to do so for the foreseeable future.
Depending on the timeframe, we may be able to turn Taiwan into a porcupine that China will not dare to attack, because most of the Chinese navy will end up at the bottom of the Taiwan Strait.
You’re the one who is naive. You missed my point.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.