China Maritime Report No. 26: Beyond the First Battle: Overcoming a Protracted Blockade of Taiwan

Authors

Lonnie D. Henley

Files

Description

If there is a war over Taiwan, an extended Chinese blockade is likely to determine the outcome. While a blockade might include intercepting ships at sea, the primary focus would be on sealing airfields and ports, particularly on the west coast of Taiwan. China could sustain that type of blockade indefinitely. Penetrating a prolonged blockade and keeping Taiwan alive would require a serious U.S. investment in systems and operational concepts that we currently do not have. Unless we make that investment, we may win the first battle, defeating an attempted landing. But we cannot win the war.

Publication Date

March, 2023

Publisher

China Maritime Studies Institute, U.S Naval War College

City

Newport, Rhode Island

Keywords

China, China Maritime Studies Institute, CMSI, People’s Liberation Army, PLAN, Amphibious, Taiwan, Blockade, Ports, Airports

Recommended Citation

Henley, Lonnie D., "China Maritime Report No. 26: Beyond the First Battle: Overcoming a Protracted Blockade of Taiwan" (2023). CMSI China Maritime Reports. 26.
https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cmsi-maritime-reports/26