Constructing Chinese Fundamental Sea Power On The Basis Of Mahan's Sea Power Theory

Alfred Thayer Mahan(1840-1914), is known as the doyen of sea power theory, his thought of sea power has enormous influence on western countries. Mahan hold that the concept of sea power mainly involves two aspects: first is by the force of navy to control the sea, namely "command of the sea"; second is (1) production; (2) shipping; (3) colonies and market .To sum up collectively refers to as "sea power".At present, American has the biggest influential power upon Asian sea power geopolitical strategies. In other words, Asian sea power is still controlled by American overseas garrison and his strategic allies. However, after World War II, the independence and liberation of Asian ethnic nations strengthened the sea power influence upon the regional areas, integrated the historic trend of reshaping Asian sea power geopolitical pattern. Therefore, the sea power of Asian neighboring areas presenting a "transitional feature". But due to various reasons, China failed to gain enough sea power.In the global Columbia, each country, as the player of manipulating the fate of itself, must comply with certain rules of the game. In this Marine game, western countries have already set the related rules of the game beforehand- namely Mahan's sea power theory. China has maritime power, but not sea power. By the wheel of history, China has been pushed into the world's ocean game field. However, at present China just as the participant of the game, rather than the rule-maker, China has to keep to the existing rules of the game. Nevertheless, development of export-oriented economy, solution of ocean land dispute and the needs of national security ,demonstrate the necessity of constructing China's sea power, which in accordance with Mahan's sea power theory. At the same time, Marine trade also provide "milk" for the navy(economic angle). What's more, coastal geographical environment(geographical angle), historical opportunity, developed air strikes system has solved the contradictions of considering both land and sea(military angle). Hence, in the light of Mahan's sea power theory, constructing China's fundamental sea power is feasible.According to Mahan's sea power theory, to build China's sea power should consider the six elements of sea power firstly: (1. Location; 2. natural structure, including parallel natural productivity and climate; 3. territory; 4 population; 5 people characteristic; 6. government characteristics and policies, including national agencies) and three main links of sea power:(1. production; 2. Shipping; 3. colonies and market - starting by trading partners). Relying on the superior geographical condition and rational government policies, in combination with the initiatives of Chinese. Construction of China's fundamental sea power can take the following ways: develop Marine trade, construct Marine shipping strength and ocean Marine military strength, adjust the navy strategy and protect the Marine channel .