CMSI Translations are translations of articles pulled from Chinese military maritime publications.
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CMSI Translations #8: U.S.-Philippine Military Cooperation in the South China Sea: Challenges and Responses
Zhang Yilong
With the new generation of Philippine government taking office, U.S.-Philippines relations have rapidly warmed, and the depth and breadth of their military cooperation have increased. This has brought new challenges and threats to China’s national security. How to deal with these challenges will be a difficult problem before us.
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CMSI Translations #7: Guarantee of Strategic Security: Expert Discusses China’s Strategic Nuclear Submarines Achieving Continuous Duty
Chi Guocang
In April of this year, the U.S. Department of Defense released a China military power report, which stated that the Chinese Navy currently has at least six Type 094 ballistic missile nuclear submarines, and has the capability for at least one of them to be on continuous readiness duty. It also said that this is the first time it has been possible for the Chinese Navy to permanently maintain at least one strategic missile nuclear submarine at sea to perform strategic duty tasks. So, what is “continuous readiness duty” (quatianhou zhanbei zhiban), how can it be achieved, and why did the Chinese Navy only just now acquire this capability? With these questions in mind, we interviewed Professor Chi Guocang (迟国仓) of the PLAN Submarine Academy and asked him to give us a detailed explanation.
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CMSI Translations #6: Building a World-Class Navy in a Comprehensive Way: It's Logic in Theory, History, and Practice
Liu Lijiao and Jia Benjia
"Building a world-class navy in a comprehensive way" is a vivid embodiment and concrete manifestation of the Chinese Communist Party's goal of building a strong military in the new era, as expressed in the domain of naval building and operations. This is both a major theoretical issue and practical issue. When it comes to realizing the centenary military building goal and creating a new situation via naval modernization, this will have major and far-reaching importance. [We must] deeply understand its internal logic in theory, history, and practice to accelerate naval transformation and development, and elevate at-dea deterrence and combat capabilities.
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CMSI Translations #5: Strengthen National Defense Mobilization and Reserve Force Construction
Yu Yunxian and Zhang Pengxuan
The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party proposed "strengthening national defense mobilization and reserve force construction." In the face of the Era's requirements for strengthening the country and the military, the serious situation of national security, and the real existence of the risk of war, we must place the construction of national defense mobilization and reserve forces in a more important strategic position, and strive to promote the high-quality development of national defense mobilization and reserve force construction from a new starting point.
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CMSI Translations #4: Charging into Battle—A Deeply Entwined Network: A Profile of Wang Chengfei, Director of a Research Office at the Naval Research Academy
Wang Kun, Ye Zhong, and Zhou Huaiping
Wang Chengfei, Director of a research office and senior engineer at the Naval Research Academy, has presided over the initiation and evaluation of several major comprehensive information system equipment projects. He has compiled a development guide and technical requirements for Navy unmanned intelligent equipment technology systems, filled many specifications gaps, won a second- class Military Science and Technology Progress Award, obtained eight national defense patents, and was once awarded a third-class citation.
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CMSI Translations #3: Discussion on the Requirements and Methods of Intelligent Decision-Making in Torpedo Attacks by Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
Ma Liang, Guo Liqiang, Zhang Hui, Yang Jing, and Liu Jian
Autonomous technology in unmanned equipment is currently the most dynamic frontier technology field, and improving the level of intelligent decision-making is an inevitable trend in the development of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Torpedo attack decision-making is an important part of attack-type UUVs' attack missions, and it is also the basis and premise for forming self-organizing cross-domain collaboration, autonomous cluster confrontation, and other operational capabilities. Beginning by sorting through the characteristics of operational use and typical mission styles, this article summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of UUVs compared to manned platforms, analyzes the decision-making content different from traditional torpedo attacks, expounds on the key issues that need to be resolved in implementing decisionmaking functions, and, based on the development status of machine learning technology, proposes an intelligent decision-making method suitable for solving problems such as large uncertainty in observation data, difficulty in guaranteeing real-time attack decision-making, and weak model perception interaction capabilities. This research can serve as a reference for future research in unmanned equipment development and intelligent decision-making fields.
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CMSI Translations #2: Dominating the Battlefield—The Advantages of Unmanned Intelligent Combat Forces
Zhao Xiangang and Su Yanqin
In his report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping emphasized the need to accelerate the development of unmanned intelligent combat forces. Looking at the practice of local wars in recent years, unmanned combat forces as represented by drones have become an important part of the joint operational force system, playing an increasingly prominent role as an effectiveness multiplier. Especially with the advent of artificial intelligence technology and its rapid development and widespread use in the military field, unmanned systems are becoming more intelligent and autonomous, and unmanned intelligent operations are showing advantages and effectiveness that are different from those in the past.
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CMSI Translations #1: The “Cans” and “Cannots” of the Military Application of Artificial intelligence
Zhang Long
The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the military field is an important force for promoting improvements in military technology and progress in the revolution of military affairs and is a key driver changing operational patterns and disrupting the form of war. In the upsurge of military applications of AI, we must think carefully about future decisions, deeply understand the technological hub (jishu shuniu) role of AI, dialectically view the functional boundaries of military applications of AI, and accurately grasp what AI "can" and "cannot" do. We must oppose both contemptuous and omnipotent theories of AI military application, comprehensively and objectively clarify what AI "can" and "cannot" do in military applications, and strive to seize the opportunity, win the initiative, develop systematically, and make breakthroughs in the military application of AI.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Sharpening Their Sword, On Course for Victory: An Account of the Armament Department of the East Sea Fleet Leveraging the Advantages of the New System in Order to Improve Equipment Support Abilities
Chen Xiong, Chi Zumin, Liu Yuexiang, Wang Chunfeng, Dai Zongfeng, and Yin Fei
This article details reforms within the East Sea Fleet’s Armament Department to adapt to expanding naval missions. It highlights a transition from pure hardware maintenance to a "soft and hard" support model that integrates technical repairs with submariner training and psychological confidence in their equipment. The piece also explores the benefits of a "factory conglomerate" model for more efficient repairs and the normalization of civil-military integration for specialized technical support.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Analysis of Problems with Warship Damage Control Plans and Methods for Preparing Damage Control Plans
Jian Huajun and Zhu Haishi
This source provides a technical framework for preparing scientific and rational damage control plans aimed at maintaining a warship's "vitality". It critiques existing plans for being "divorced from reality" and calls for plans based on quantified risk assessments, such as precise flooding rates and fire extinguishing data. The authors advocate for a "planning–drilling–revising" cycle to ensure plans are simple, realistic, and streamlined for actual combat.
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CMSI Archive Translation: An Examination of the Use of Civil Helicopters in Mine Countermeasure Operations
Zhang Wei, Zhang Xiuzhi, and Wang Jiufa
This piece proposes the "COOP MCM" plan: using civilian helicopters and aircraft to conduct emergency mine clearing in wartime. It argues that helicopters are safer and faster than surface ships and that China's large inventory of civil helicopters (like the AC313) could be rapidly converted into MCM platforms using standardized, modular equipment.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Approaches to Improving Support Capabilities for Dock-Less Unloading
Liu Baoxin and Dong Nan
Focusing on "logistics over-the-shore, " this article argues for improved "dock-less unloading" capabilities for when enemy ports are damaged. It proposes establishing organic military support units, reserve forces drawn from port engineering firms, and unmanned support forces to clear obstacles and transport materials. The authors emphasize the need for new-type elevated causeway systems and Ro-Ro lighters to operate in high sea state.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Attack of the “Iron Shark”—The Party Committee of an Eastern Theater Command Navy Submarine Flotilla Focuses on Actual Combat to Bolster Its Ability to Prevail in Combat
Lian Wei and Zeng Ningning
Focusing on an Eastern Theater Command submarine flotilla, this report emphasizes "actual combat" as the fundamental standard for training. It describes rigorous drills where crews handle sudden equipment malfunctions—such as smoking valves or depth changes—to ensure they can operate effectively without panic under pressure. The article also discusses tactical innovation, such as counter-hunting surface ships, and the development of "mini-inventions" by crew members to solve technical bottlenecks.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Construction of Carriers for Strategic Power Projection in Response to National Security Needs
Liu Jiasheng, Sun Datong, and Peng Fubing
This article explores the construction of "strategic power projection carriers" (ships, aircraft, and heavy road vehicles) necessary for the military to "go out" and protect overseas interests. It outlines a "triad" of organic military, national, and societal transportation resources to achieve rapid deployment. The piece sets near-, medium-, and long-term goals for developing technologies like high-speed RO-RO ships, heavy transport aircraft, and unmanned projection fleets.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Countermeasures for Problems in Transport Service Support in Cross-Strait and Beach Landing
Chen Xuanyu, Ren Cong, and Wang Fengzhong
This paper addresses the dual combat and logistical nature of transport support in island landings. It identifies challenges such as the "Malacca dilemma, " transparent battlefields, and the vulnerability of logistics hubs to precision strikes. Recommended countermeasures include strengthening the development of air-cushion landing craft and shipborne transport helicopters to enhance vertical landing capabilities.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Deployment of Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricant (POL) Support Forces for Warship Formations Conducting Distant Ocean Operations
Wei Zhenkun, Liao Xiaowu, Zhao Suli, and Guo Zhan
This article examines the deployment of Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricant (POL) support forces as a "lifeline" for far-seas operations. It details a multi-layered deployment strategy involving rear shore-based depots, forward bases on remote islands or floating platforms, and maritime mobile replenishment formations. The authors advocate for "modularized free combinations" of storage and filling equipment to increase flexibility.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Discussion of Capacity Building of China’s Mine Countermeasure Support Ships
Ni Hua, Zhao Zhiping, Guan Hong, and Ai Yanhui
This source analyzes the "force multiplier" role of Mine Countermeasure (MCM) support ships in protecting shipping lanes like the "Maritime Silk Road". These ships provide command, control, and replenishment for modular systems, including unmanned surface and underwater vehicles and aerial MCM helicopters.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Lessons from Foreign Submarine Rotation
Li Jianlin, Wang Ruichen, and Xu Liming
Drawing on U.S. and Russian practices, this article explores how to increase the "at-sea presence" of SSBNs. It proposes a "far-seas rotation" model where crews are exchanged in the operating area using large support ships, thereby reducing transit time and maximizing the boat's effective duty time.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Mine Warfare Should Not Be Neglected
Huang Fengzhi
This article asserts that mine warfare should not be neglected because mines provide enduring, difficult-to-remove "strategic utility" in blockades and countering landings. It acknowledges a "fairly large gap" in Chinese MCM capabilities compared to global developments and calls for high priority on researching modern mine warfare systems.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Problems with Managing the Use of Warship Damage Control Equipment and Suggestions for Optimization
Deng Kaiyong, Yin Hui, and Shu Xiong
his article identifies systemic problems in warship damage control management, including irrational equipment configuration and inconsistent standards for model numbers. To optimize survivability, it recommends creating specialized functional areas for firefighting gear, leak-plugging tools, and drainage equipment. It also suggests modifying hose boxes to reduce deployment time from 30 seconds to just 10 seconds.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Research on Combined Support for Torpedoes and Sea Mines
Jin Mudan, Lu Hui, Feng Shaowei, and Chai Kai
This technical study researches "combined support" for torpedoes and mines to improve efficiency. Because these weapons share similar maintenance cycles, storage requirements, and personnel training needs, the authors argue for shared technical support areas to reduce construction costs and increase the speed of munitions supply during an informatized war.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Serve Readiness and Warfighting, Promote Marine Environmental Construction
Xu Quanjun and Xie Zhimin
This report stresses that far-seas operations require "exquisite" marine environmental support, specifically hydrological and meteorological data. It calls for improved numerical forecasting for underwater "sensitive elements" like internal waves and eddies to support submarine positioning, underwater communications, and missile launches.
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CMSI Archive Translation: The Biggest Obstacle to Chinese Nuclear Submarines Going Out Into The Indian Ocean
Hei Jin
This analysis identifies the lack of overseas support points as the primary obstacle to Chinese nuclear submarine operations in the Indian Ocean. While acknowledging the Djibouti base, the author argues that the political and technical costs of supporting nuclear reactors there are high. The piece suggests that truly covert operations require "second tier" bases in remote regions like Tanzania or Madagascar to avoid international surveillance.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Why Landing Operations Are Hard
Wang Guo and Wang Xiang
This theoretical analysis examines why amphibious operations are uniquely difficult, identifying command of the sea and air as absolute preconditions. It emphasizes that successful landings depend heavily on the meticulous choice of timing and location, as well as the ability to maintain "sustained logistical support" once forces are on the beachhead.
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CMSI Archive Translation: Five Major Implications of Chinese Surface Task Forces Crossing the International Date Line
Li Jie [李杰 }
This article analyzes the strategic significance of the Chinese Navy’s Southern Theater Command surface task force crossing the international date line in a combat readiness posture for the first time in February 2020. The event signals China’s growing capability and intent to operate in the far seas without geographic restrictions, challenging long-standing U.S. dominance in the Pacific. The operation demonstrates China’s increasingly advanced naval assets, including destroyers, frigates, supply ships, and reconnaissance vessels, and underscores the potential to deploy larger warships in future missions. Crossing the island chain barriers near Hawaii illustrates China’s determination to overcome historic strategic constraints, while the task force’s presence supports the security of China’s nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) in extended oceanic areas. The article highlights implications for maritime power projection, regional security dynamics, and strategic deterrence, providing key considerations for policymakers monitoring China’s expanding naval reach.
