ABSTRACT
This study, which examines naval modernization, refers to naval strategy and naval capabilities. It attempts to answer two sets of questions. The first refers to China's evolving naval strategy. What conceptual contribution has Hu Jintao made to China's naval strategy since becoming the chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC)? What are the specific missions which the PLAN is expected to fulfil in terms of its near and far seas operations? What are the different priorities for the near and far seas missions, and why? Finally, how might the PLAN conduct its operations? The second set of questions concerns changing naval capabilities. Which new capabilities have been developed in recent years, and what are the reasons for these new developments? Hu has made two major conceptual contributions to China's naval strategy, one at the strategic level, and the other at the operational level. At the strategic level, both Hu and Jiang have promoted naval modernization, but with very different priorities.
