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Podcast Episode

189 - China's Newest Warships: Capability or Coercion?

The NIDS View··19 August 2026·40 min

About this episode

In this episode of The NIDS View, Curtis and Jim examine two of China's newest naval warships and what these developments reveal about Beijing's evolving military strategy and their implications for regional security and strategic stability. From next-generation destroyers and amphibious assault ships to China's pursuit of a true blue-water navy, they explore how naval modernization shapes perceptions of military power, strengthens conventional deterrence, and influences strategic risk. The discussion examines the roles of capability, signaling, and credibility in preventing conflict, while considering how advanced technologies and expanding maritime power can simultaneously reinforce deterrence and exacerbate regional security dilemmas. Curtis and Jim also discuss the strategic motivations driving China's naval expansion, the relationship between offensive and defensive capabilities, and the challenges confronting U.S. and allied policymakers in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific maritime environment. https://thinkdeterrence.com/ Like and follow us – The NIDS View: https://media.rss.com/nuclearview/feed.xml LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkdeterrence X.com: https://x.com/thinkdeterrence YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyGa4dcPqONWzjmbuZMOBHQ Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/NIDSthinkdeterrence Global Security Review: https://globalsecurityreview.com Our Free Events: https://thinkdeterrence.com/events/