REPORT WARNS OF THREAT TO US FROM GROWING CHINESE FLEET

A new report prepared by political scientist Dr. Patrick Bratton and seapower historian U.S. Naval Captain (Ret.) Carl Shuster warns that the growth of the Chinese maritime fleet coupled with the decline in the U.S.-flag fleet poses severe risks to the United States and its allies.  The report, “Sea Strangulation: How the United States Has Become Vulnerable to Chinese Maritime Coercion”, concludes that “the best and perhaps the only way we can counter the threat of sea strangulation is to strengthen — and if possible expand—the U.S. Merchant Marine. We recommend strengthening the Maritime Security Program and maintaining the Jones Act. In contrast, an overdependence on flag of convenience carriers and ships belonging to China or other nations that may test the U.S., could lead to hardship for those who live and serve under the flag of the United States.”  READ MORE (PDF)