CMSI Translations

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  CMSI Translations #33: A Super-AIP Submarine Under the Bayi Flag

  Ming Di

  Foreign media sources believe that, in recent years, the Chinese Navy has shown keen interest in “small-reactor” nuclear submarines—vessels utilizing compact nuclear reactors as air independent propulsion (AIP) systems—and do not rule out the possibility that engineering trials have already been conducted. So, what exactly is the Chinese Navy’s requirement for such submarines, and through what technical pathways might this requirement be realized?

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  CMSI Translations #32: The U.S. Marine Corps Concept for “Stand-In Forces”—Analysis and Response

  Yue Zhiqiang, Wang Li, and Li Jinqiao

  “Stand-In Forces” (SIF) is an operational concept proposed by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) within the context of strategic transformation, emphasizing the development of combat forces capable of sustained forward presence within the “weapons engagement zone” (WEZ). These forces can conduct surveillance and reconnaissance, gain long range target custody, and engage in interference, deception, littoral zone harassment, rapid littoral strike, sustainment, protection, and security operations, as well as other actions to address changing conditions and challenges. To counter the continuous penetration and encroachment into our near seas, we must proactively engage and establish effective countermeasures. We must focus on addressing weaknesses and enhancing our amphibious systems warfare advantages; prioritize innovation and advancement to accelerate the development of maritime unmanned combat capabilities; and emphasize advancing the establishment of cyber- and information systems to address our core priorities.

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  CMSI Translations #31: Joint Air and Missile Defense Operations in the Maritime Domain Must Emphasize and Strengthen the “Four Joint Functions”

  Nan Xiang, Xie Lu, and Zhi Xi

  With a focus on missions directed toward the maritime, and closely aligning with the objectives of the “Three Major Strategic Capabilities,” this article outlines four critical functions to enhance joint air and missile defense capabilities: strengthening joint situational awareness through multi-domain integration and all-domain reconnaissance and surveillance; optimizing command structures and integrating systems to enhance joint command and control (C2); leveraging systemic strengths and deploying forces methodically to strengthen joint defense and countermeasures; and ensuring flexibility, agility, and efficiency to strengthen joint support. These efforts aim to achieve defense against incoming threats as early as possible and as far away as possible, across all domains, at all times, and in all dimensions, ensuring the ability to withstand the first strike and deliver the first blow.

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  CMSI Translations #30: Vision for Future Next-Generation Aircraft Carrier Supply Ships

  Yin He

  Given the substantial increase in sustainment requirements for the PLA Navy’s next-generation aircraft carriers, and acknowledging the limitations inherent in the Type 901 replenishment ship due to the technological constraints of its design era, the next-generation (新型) carrier replenishment vessel is expected to undergo significant modifications compared to its predecessor in several key areas

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  CMSI Translations #29: Can “Armchair Strategizing” Secure Victory from a Thousand Miles Away?

  Huang Lin, Xu Ting, and Deng Xiaotu

  In 440 BC, Mozi and Lu Ban—using a belt to represent a city wall and wooden tablets as weaponry—launched a "paper confrontation" in front of the palace of the King of Chu that changed the trajectory of warfare. This simulation of nine victorious battles not only neutralized the power of the State of Chu’s siege ladders in an abstract strategic contest, but also revealed the ultimate value of wargaming: utilizing simulated combat to anticipate the realities of the battlefield and employing logical deduction to avert the calamities of war.

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  CMSI Translations #28: Uphold the Idea of a Maritime Community with a Shared Destiny and Forge a New Chapter in Maritime Military Security Cooperation

  Du Bo and Wang Chenyuan

  The concept of a maritime community with a shared destiny proposed by Chairman Xi is China's wisdom and approach for maintaining global maritime peace, promoting ocean development, enhancing global maritime governance, and advancing maritime security cooperation. This should guide efforts to tailor security cooperation relationships based on different targets. We need to broaden our thinking and innovate mechanisms for maritime security cooperation, take proactive steps to provide maritime public security goods, strengthen coordinated implementation of external maritime military assistance, and promote the creation of a new landscape in maritime military security cooperation.

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  CMSI Translations #27: What is the Significance of the PLAN Type 055 Destroyer Zunyi Task Force's Distant Deployment to Australia?

  Zong He

  In February 2025, a distant-ocean task force led by Chinese Navy Type 055 destroyer Zunyi made its first appearance in Australia’s near seas, conducting live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea. This action not only set a record for the Chinese Navy's activities in the waters surrounding Australia, but also attracted widespread international attention due to its overwhelming technological superiority and strategic deterrence. This article will analyze the deeper significance of this action from the perspectives of task force composition, deployment process, technical performance, and geopolitical impact.

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  CMSI Translations #26: Sea Dragon Refits Its Armor: The Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship Ushers in a New Era

  He Yin

  At the close of 2024, the first of China's next-generation Type 076 amphibious assault ships was launched at Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai. Named the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Sichuan with hull number 51, this milestone concluded the PLAN's major combat equipment development for the year.

  China’s navy only began to develop and construct modern amphibious assault ships around 2017. While the first generation of Type 075 ships (an initial batch of four vessels) was still being rapidly constructed, work commenced on the second-generation Type 076 in less than six years. This demonstrated the Chinese navy's urgent need for large-scale amphibious operations equipment and the high priority placed on it. More significantly, compared to the Type 075, the Type 076 represents a qualitative leap in design concepts, technological sophistication, combat capabilities, and mission functionality. It will serve as a crucial component of the Chinese navy's future long-range strike and deterrence capabilities.

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  CMSI Translations #25: A New Pillar for Distant Oceans: Concepts for the Chinese Navy's New Generation of General-Purpose Destroyers

  Ying Tian

  A recent unconfirmed rumor about the Chinese Navy developing a new general-purpose guidedmissile destroyer has stirred debate online. Many commenters argue that the Type 055 already offers exceptional capability across air defense, missile defense, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and general warfare roles, and is more than capable of meeting current mission needs. But because it’s expensive to build, it is not practical to produce in large numbers or to use for routine tasks, so it will likely remain a smaller part of the fleet. In contrast, the more affordable Type 052D class is limited by its size and displacement, which restricts how much it can be upgraded. As a result, it still cannot match the endurance or sustained firepower of the U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.

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  CMSI Translations #24: Accelerating the Development of (PLAN) Marine Corps Combat Capabilities to Win in High End Maritime Warfare

  Rear Admiral Zhu Chuansheng

  At present and for a period into the future, numerous security concerns and threats will persist along China's periphery, in the far seas, and overseas. [China’s] national security threats are primarily at sea, the focal point of military struggle is at sea, and the center of gravity for the expansion of [China’s] national interest is also at sea.3 As the elite amphibious combat force, the PLAN Marine Corps finds its primary theaters of operations in oceans, on islands, and overseas. It must closely monitor maritime and overseas security developments, accurately assess security threats, coordinate maritime and overseas operations, clearly identify military requirements, accelerate transformation and development, and continuously enhance combat capabilities. This will enable it to play a critical role participating in global maritime governance and winning high-end maritime conflict.

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  CMSI Translations #23: The Elusive "Deep-Sea Beast": Analysis of the Performance of the Main Equipment of the U.S. Navy Virginia-Class Nuclear Attack Submarine

  Wang Xiangxiang

  In the vast expanse of the blue ocean, the U.S. Navy's Virginia-class nuclear attack submarine, with its exceptional performance and advanced technology, has become the backbone of the U.S. Navy's undersea force in the 21st century. As one of America’s most modern nuclear attack submarines, the Virginia-class leads the global development of nuclear submarine technology with its multifunctional and multi-purpose design, exceptional stealth, and powerful combat capabilities.

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  CMSI Translations #22: Implications of the U.S. Navy's "Sea Base" Construction for Equipment Support in Cross-Sea Landing Operations

  Tan Benhang

  Cross-sea landing operations (跨海登陆作战) is one of the primary forms of warfare for which our military is preparing, both for the present and for a period into the future. How to provide timely, reliable, continuous, and efficient equipment support for cross-sea landing operations is a critical matter requiring urgent research. The U.S. military was the first to propose the operational concept of “seabasing” to enable sea-based logistics and equipment support for forward-deployed task forces, thereby providing critical sustainment for out-of-area military operations. This seabasing initiative has important implications and provides a valuable reference for enhancing our military's equipment support capabilities for cross-sea landing operations.

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  CMSI Translations #21: How to Achieve a “Soft Landing” for New Recruits Joining Companies

  Cai Qingjian, Miao Pingyi, and Bao Hanliang

  With expectations, dreams, and curiosity, in mid-June the new sailors who had enlisted this spring joined their companies. Saying goodbye to boot camp and moving to new posts, some new sailors experienced "acclimatization issues" in the unfamiliar environment. How can we help new comrades smoothly get through the "second adjustment period"? Each unit must carefully monitor the characteristics of the new sailors in addition to guiding and educating them. This issue's “Pathways of Youth” special edition brings you the stories and experiences of naval units as they work to effectively manage the integration of new sailors into their companies.

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  CMSI Translations #20: Spring Breeze Accompanies Us As We Strive Forward

  Teng Hao, Yang Liu, and Liu Zihao

  Stories of a Northern Theater Command Navy coastal defense missile regiment doing a good job educating and managing new recruits in the spring enlistment period by closely aligning with human sentiment.

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  CMSI Translations #19: Lessons and Thoughts from the Struggle for Command of the Sea in the Red Sea

  Zhao Jiaxu and Huang Chunyu

  Since mid-November 2023 to the present Houthi armed forces in Yemen have continued to hijack and attack vessels in the Red Sea that "use Israeli ports" or "engage in trade with Israel" to oppose Israel's military operations in Gaza and disrupt military assistance to Israel from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. As of April 1, 2024, over 86 vessels related to the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, and other countries have been attacked. The Houthis continue to maintain control over the Red Sea, forcing vessels from these countries to risk damage and loss of life while navigating through the area. The crisis in the Red Sea is worsening.

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  CMSI Translations #18: Combine Wisdom and Join Efforts, Training in a Sea of Mines, "Pioneers of Breaking Obstacles"

  Li Muqiang, Yang Fulong, Qu Bin, and Zhai Dengqian

  The sky is high, the lake is vast, and ghosts are lurking.

  One day in early winter, in the riverside city of Wuhan, a speedboat zooms across the Great Mulan Lake. Its stern engine propellers spin, stirring up white waves... A realistic comprehensive exercise is in full swing, employing mine countermeasures combat divers. A mine countermeasures diver from a minesweeper unit (dadui) of the Northern Theater Command Navy, headquartered several thousand miles away, arrived at the training camp at the Naval University of Engineering (NUE). The divers collaborated closely with the university's mine countermeasures teaching and research section to conduct focused research on the disposal methods for new-type smart-mines (xinxing zhineng shuilei).

  “Mine warfare presents a significant operational challenge for the world's navies. In recent years, advancements in artificial intelligence and other high-tech developments have rendered mines more intelligent and effective, allowing them to autonomously seek out targets and detonate on their own. This evolution further complicates and jeopardizes the mine-clearing efforts of combat divers.” Zhang Zhiqiang from NUE’s Mine Countermeasures Teaching and Research Section remarked that finding ways to enable mine countermeasures combat divers to swiftly and effectively identify and neutralize these intelligent mines is an urgent practical issue that requires immediate attention.

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  CMSI Translations #17: Analysis of Problems with Warship Damage Control Plans and Methods for Preparing Damage Control Plans

  Jian Huajun and Zhu Haishi

  “Damage control” (sunhai kongzhi, or just sunguan) refers to measures and actions taken by a warship for the prevention, control, and elimination of damage in order to maintain or recover its vitality (shengmingli). If a warship suffers an accident, this could result in major casualties among the crew and cause damage to the ship’s equipment; it might also impact the ship’s vitality. The crew’s normal level of damage control training determines the success or failure of damage control. In order to fully leverage the active role of crew members in damage control and fully leverage the effectiveness of damage control, a scientific and rational damage control plan must be prepared. The damage control plan resolves questions related to the deployment and responsibilities of personnel during the damage control process, according to certain principals and requirements.

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  CMSI Translations #16: Tracking Their Wake: How Strong Is the U.S. Navy Today?

  Fang Zheng

  Nearly 80 years have passed since the end of World War Two, and during this time the U.S. Navy has always ranked as the number one navy in the world, mainly thanks to support from America’s enormous national power. But for the past ten years or so, with the great decline of America’s economy, the U.S. Navy has had to face more and more problems. For example, the service lives of ships have grown longer and longer. There has been a serious lack of repairs and maintenance work. The speed of shipbuilding has noticeably slowed. And [the U.S. Navy’s] newest class of aircraft carrier was not operational for five years after it was launched. These problems indicate that the U.S. Navy is in a state of exhaustion and will find it difficult to handle all manner of potential confrontations and war in the 21st century.

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  CMSI Translations #15: Inscribing Loyalty While Endeavoring to Advance into the Deep Blue

  Qian Xiaohu, Mo Xiaoliang, Wang Guanbiao, and Liu Bin

  The sea and sky blend into a singular shade, with starlight accompanying the ship’s voyage. Somewhere the vast Pacific, the Chinese Navy's aircraft carrier formation is organizing to train, and the destroyer Nanchang, joining a carrier formation for the first time, is tasked with escort duty. Suddenly, two foreign vessels turn a wide arc one after the other and speed toward the carrier formation. “This is Chinese Navy Ship 101, please keep a safe distance from me and inform me of your intentions.” Nanchang quickly maneuvers and firmly maintains its position in the carrier formation. Simultaneously, the ship’s officer of the deck shouts a warning. The foreign vessels make several unsuccessful attempts to cross the formation but have no choice in the end except to resentfully turn away and depart the area. Endeavoring to advance into the deep blue, in each thrilling and important mission, the Nanchang’s Party Committee team is always ensuring that “The ship is maneuvered by us, and we listen to the guidance of the Party,” leading the officers and sailors as they repeatedly overcome risks and challenges faced. The leaders of the Nanchang’s Party Committee told reporters, “only a combat formation that is loyal to the Party while being tough and powerful can route all enemies and prevail in all engagements.”

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  CMSI Translations #14: Manual for Developing Ship Captains

  Liu Xue and Li Mingyu

  In 1949, the People's Navy set sail from Baimamiao in Jiangsu province. Throughout its journey, the People's Navy has produced numerous heroes, and an increasing number of talented personnel of all types have accelerated their growth on the deep blue waterways. Among them, Navy surface ship captains have become a shining group. How can young aspirants with dreams become captains?

  The Dalian Naval Vessel Academy was established on November 22, 1949. It primarily focuses on cultivating military and political command officers for the Navy's surface forces, as well as technical officers in marine hydrology and surveying. Over the past 70 years since its founding, the Academy has trained more than 50,000 military and political command officers for the People's Navy, over 80 percent of ship captains, and more than 200 admirals of the Republic, earning a reputation as the "cradle of naval officers."

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  CMSI Translations #13: Mission Command Is Not The Antidote

  Cui Yiliang

  “Mission command” (renwushi zhihui) has become a buzzword across all branches of the U.S. military. The concept came into being in the early 19th century, borne from Prussian military experience, and became a treasured concept in Prussian/German military doctrine. Simply put, mission command is the delegation of decision-making power. The reason for delegating or subordinating decision-making is because, when compared with higher echelon command, front line units often have better situational awareness of their given area, and delegation of decision making authority can allow them to fully utilize this cognitive advantage and seize the time critical battle initiative.

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  CMSI Translations #12: Strengthen Command Capabilities to Win Future Naval Battles

  Wei Gong

  Chairman Xi Jinping's emphasis on "strengthening command capabilities" has indicated the direction of effort and injected a powerful impetus for all-level commanders to fulfill their main responsibilities, meet challenges from adversaries, and win future naval battles. Observing the emerging patterns of new combat capabilities in new domains and reviewing the year's work to prepare for war, in the case of new combat platforms, commanders’ ability to strengthen their command capabilities is reflected in their dual responsibility for both the platform and the system. This includes the responsibilities to scientifically coordinate maneuver and firepower to address threats from individual ships and aircraft, to fulfill responsibilities for domain specific operational tasks, and to serve as a system hub for new combat power and shaping advantageous combat postures for the formations and systems. These responsibilities expand the meaning of command capabilities and place higher demands on commanders.

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  CMSI Translations #11: Mid-Life Overhaul and Upgrade of the Type 052C Guided Missile Destroyer

  Ju Lang

  The construction of the Type 052C guided missile destroyer took a long time, and it was experimental in the sense of "taking small steps for rapid progress" (xiao bu kuai pao). In fact, it was also the engineering prototype of the standard fleet destroyer Type 052D. The first and second Type 052C ships were launched in April and October 2003, respectively. They were the most advanced guided missile destroyers of the PLAN at that time, but the subsequent four ships of the same type were launched in October 2010, July 2011, and January and July 2012, respectively.

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  CMSI Translations #10: Transformation, How Significant is the Role of an Airfield Station?

  Gao Hongwei, Shen Hongquan, and Zhang Tong

  In recent years, with the expansion of mission tasks, multiple services and multiple aircraft types organizing training at the same Southern Theater Command Navy aviation airfield station has gradually become the norm. In the face of increasingly heavy combat training support tasks, they closely monitor powerful enem(ies), accelerate transformation and construction, and have achieved a historic leap from single aircraft-type support to multiple aircraft-types support, from small flying periods of short-term deployed training support to large flying periods of regularized deployed training support, and from daytime simple meteorological conditions support to allweather support, with core support capabilities being comprehensively enhanced.

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  CMSI Translations #9: Mine Countermeasure Operations in a Cross-Strait Island Landing Campaign

  Tian Ying

  Sea mines are a type of cheap, easy to produce naval weapon that can be used both offensively and defensively. They have played a huge tactical role and even a strategic role in many wars from ancient times to the present day. Sea mines have low production costs, and they are powerful, simple to use, easy to emplace, and difficult to remove. They are characterized by the long-term threat they can pose to ports and shipping lanes. Countering sea mines is relatively difficult and requires the expenditure of rather large resources by the side conducting mine countermeasure operations.