From Mahan to Corbett: An Inquiry into the Development of Chinese Naval Strategy in the Indian Ocean Region.

This article examines how China draws upon the strategic theories of Alfred Thayer Mahan and Julian Corbett to shape its emerging naval doctrine and force posture in the Indian Ocean region (IOR). It traces Mahan's emphasis on sea power and naval supremacy, as well as Corbett's concepts of maritime communications and balancing maritime forces with terrestrial capabilities. The article analyzes China's accelerated naval modernization, including its aircraft carrier program, and its increasing military presence across key maritime chokepoints and archipelagic chains stretching into the IOR through port access facilities and security partnerships. It argues that Beijing synthesizes a hybrid maritime strategy that combines Mahanian principles of decisive naval dominance with Corbettian advocacy for controlling sea lines of communication to protect economic interests. While facing limitations in achieving complete control, China appears poised to acquire significant deterrent capabilities countering US regional primacy. This analysis sheds light on China's multifaceted theoretical framework motivating its drive for greater power projection into the Indian Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]