China’s Drive For Global Power, A Year in Review and a Look Ahead (YCAPS-JUMP Seminar)

China’s Drive For Global Power, A Year in Review and a Look Ahead (YCAPS-JUMP Seminar)

May 16, 2018 , 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm (Asia/Tokyo)

In the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies-JUMP seminar on May 16, 2018, experienced Indo-Pacific analyst, widely published author and YCAPS executive committee member, Tuan Pham described his observations about China’s strategic decisions of the last year and predicted what we can expect to see in the year to come.

At the end of 2017, China felt content that it had advanced its regional and global standing at the expense of perceived strategic rival the United States, and was more confident about carrying out its global ambitions in the coming years. At the year-end 19th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), President Xi Jinping emphatically reaffirmed a strategic roadmap for national rejuvenation (Chinese Dream) and officially heralded a new era in Chinese national development. Beijing seems determined to move forward from Mao Zedong’s revolutionary legacy and Deng Xiaoping’s iconic dictum; and poised to expand its global power and influence through the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, expansive military build-up and modernization, assertive foreign policy, and forceful public diplomacy. In terms of great power relations, Beijing views itself as a rising power and Washington as a declining power – with both seen as being interlocked in a strategic competition for regional and global preeminence.

A good starting point for assessing China’s strategic actions in 2018 and beyond is Xi’s remarks at the 19th National Congress. A closer examination of Xi’s statements reveals Beijing’s true global ambitions. He spoke at great length about the “Four Greats – experience the great struggle in the new era, construct the great project of CCP building, and promote the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, in order to realize China’s great dream of national rejuvenation.” All in all, the speech outlined Chinese strategic intent in terms of “what” (national rejuvenation), “when” (by what date should national rejuvenation be achieved by), and “how” (ways and means to achieve national rejuvenation).

Details:

• Program: Start the evening anytime during the 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. reception. A light meal and drinks will be served.  The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. The event is free of charge and will be held in English.
• When: May 16, 2018, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Location: Honcho Community Center in Yokosuka. 〒238-0041 2-1, Honcho, Yokosuka-shi (Sogo Fukushi Kaikan Hall).
• Venue Access: Click here for the venue’s access map or Google map.

About the Speaker:

• Tuan N. Pham serves on the executive committee of the Yokosuka Council on Asia-Pacific Studies (YCAPS); has over 16 years of experience in the Indo-Pacific; and is widely published in the Diplomat, National Interest, Center for International Maritime Security, and Proceedings (U.S. Naval Institute) on national security affairs and international relations.

Tuan is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Naval War College (Mahan Scholar), and Salve Regina University. He has completed the Federal Executive Fellowship at Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory, Senior Executive Fellowship at John F. Kennedy School of Government (Harvard University), and Seminar XXI Fellowship at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He holds a B.S. degree in Oceanography (Physics) and three M.A. degrees in National Security and Strategic Studies, International Relations, and Global Business Management.

Tuan is an active-duty senior naval officer, currently stationed in Japan (third tour). He has had operational assignments in Guam, Japan, and Iraq. He has held staff positions at the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Navy, Joint Staff, Navy Staff, National Security Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, U.S. Cyber Command, and U.S. Pacific Command. He is a Navy-designated Asia-Pacific (China) Hand (Master-level), Maritime Strategist, Strategic Planner, and Joint Staff Officer. He was also the recipient of the Navy Intelligence Admiral Showers Award for Excellence and Admiral Layton Award for Leadership and Mentorship.