Wu Shengli's priorities included surface action groups, control of islands in the South China Sea, and a small carrier force. The fleet's peacetime geopolitical role mattered as much as preparation for battle. Deterrence, visible presence, and national influence help explain the resulting force structure. In this reading, Wu's own program offers a stronger guide to modern Chinese naval growth than the state-sponsored image of Zheng He's voyages.
Notable Point · 38:12-40:06
Wu Shengli's force design and deterrent presence
Surface action groups, carriers, and South China Sea control form a Chinese force design built for peacetime deterrence and regional influence.