Emerging naval powers in Asia: China's and India's quest for sea power

Abstract

This study offers a historically informed and comprehensive assessment of the contemporary naval policies of China and India, the leading rising powers. It shows how China and India, traditionally and predominantly concerned with their respective continental frontiers, in recent decades have shifted their strategic outlook towards the sea and development of sea power. The study examines the core drivers behind this increasing interest in maritime affairs and naval power and provides an analysis of the main constraints facing China and India in their bid to achieve their naval ambitions. By comparing and contrasting the findings of the respective studies of India and China, the study reveals certain common drivers, though the hierarchy of causes explaining the countries’ growing ambitions to develop their naval power differs.