String of Pearls
AIR WAR COLLEGE
AIR UNIVERSITY
STRING OF PEARLS:
Meeting the Challenge of China’s Rising
Power Across the Asian Littoral
by
CHRISTOPHER J. PEHRSON
Lt Col, USAF
XXX-XX-1752
A Research Report Submitted to the Faculty in Partial Fulfillment of Graduation Requirements
Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
17 May 2006
[PRIVACY ACT NOTICE: Information on this page is protected by the Privacy Act of
1974 and must be safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure.]
CERTIFICATE
I have read and understand the Academic Integrity Section of the Student Guide. I certify that I have not used another student’s research work and that the creative process of researching, organizing, and writing this research report represents only my own work. I have read the instructions regarding purpose, scope, format and content of this effort and have accomplished the research paper in accordance with guidance presented in the Student Guide.
______________________________
(Signature)
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this academic research paper are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the United
States Air Force. In accordance with Air Force Instruction 51-303, this paper is not copyrighted but remains the property of the U.S. Government.
i
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the many individuals who were instrumental in helping with this research project. My faculty advisor, Dr. Lawrence Grinter, provided the necessary guidance and vectors to keep me on task. My research sponsor, LTC John Anderson, Joint Staff J5, Northeast Asia
Division, provided insight to help focus this research and ensure its relevance to U.S. national security and defense policy. Additionally, I would like to recognize the invaluable assistance provided by Dr. Toshi Yoshihara and Dr. Xiaoming Zhang, faculty members at the Air War
College. As true experts in Asian security and American
AIR UNIVERSITY
STRING OF PEARLS:
Meeting the Challenge of China’s Rising
Power Across the Asian Littoral
by
CHRISTOPHER J. PEHRSON
Lt Col, USAF
XXX-XX-1752
A Research Report Submitted to the Faculty in Partial Fulfillment of Graduation Requirements
Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama
17 May 2006
[PRIVACY ACT NOTICE: Information on this page is protected by the Privacy Act of
1974 and must be safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure.]
CERTIFICATE
I have read and understand the Academic Integrity Section of the Student Guide. I certify that I have not used another student’s research work and that the creative process of researching, organizing, and writing this research report represents only my own work. I have read the instructions regarding purpose, scope, format and content of this effort and have accomplished the research paper in accordance with guidance presented in the Student Guide.
______________________________
(Signature)
DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in this academic research paper are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the United
States Air Force. In accordance with Air Force Instruction 51-303, this paper is not copyrighted but remains the property of the U.S. Government.
i
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the many individuals who were instrumental in helping with this research project. My faculty advisor, Dr. Lawrence Grinter, provided the necessary guidance and vectors to keep me on task. My research sponsor, LTC John Anderson, Joint Staff J5, Northeast Asia
Division, provided insight to help focus this research and ensure its relevance to U.S. national security and defense policy. Additionally, I would like to recognize the invaluable assistance provided by Dr. Toshi Yoshihara and Dr. Xiaoming Zhang, faculty members at the Air War
College. As true experts in Asian security and American
Bibliography: Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2005. Kane, Thomas M. Chinese Grand Strategy and Maritime Power. London: Frank Cass Publishers, 2002. Levathes, Louise. When China Ruled the Seas, The Treasure Fleet of the Dragon Throne, 14051433. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1996. Lim, Robyn. The Geopolitics of East Asia: The Search for Equilibrium. New York: Routledge, 2003.