China Maritime Studies Institute Conferences

The China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI) has conducted conferences since 2005. Conferences have addressed a range of issues in Chinese maritime development, encompassing both competitive and also cooperative themes. This series of conferences has directly resulted in the publication of four scholarly books, dozens of published academic articles, and multiple briefings for key U.S. decision-makers and relevant staffs.

Peter Dutton, director of the China Maritime Studies Institute at U.S. Naval War College (NWC), speaks to participants of the 2016 Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups Symposium at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island.
Peter Dutton, director of the China Maritime Studies Institute at U.S. Naval War College (NWC), speaks to participants of the 2016 Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups Symposium at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island. Key discussions of the symposium included maritime irregular warfare, grey zone conflicts, and addressing irregular maritime migration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jess Lewis/Released)

About China Maritime Studies Institute Conferences

Typically lasting two to three days, our CMSI conferences occur on a periodic basis and bring together academic experts, policy makers, and practitioners for panel discussions and presentations that focus on selected aspects of Chinese maritime development and the international security environment.

These conferences serve to stimulate focused research and foster dialogue among Chinese and American specialists resulting in enhanced understanding and continued productive research and analysis on focus areas. Although short in duration, the annual CMSI conferences provide a lasting impact on research that informs leaders and policy makers. Conference research will be consolidated into a biannual volume.

Upcoming Event

Our conferences address topics ranging from China’s shipbuilding program and its evolving surface fleet to the nation’s Far East operations, their ongoing strategy in the region, and the maritime implications of a strong Chinese navy.

We welcome U.S. Government (USG) participation at this conference. To register, please fill in requested information at this link. Please ensure you specify your USG affiliation on your registration.

Non-USG personnel who wish to attend the conference should contact the CMSI Director at cmsi_director@usnwc.edu. Conference capacity and base security factors limit non-USG participation at this conference.

CMSI Conference: The People of China's Navy and Other Maritime Forces

Wednesday, May 14-15, 2025
U.S. Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

The focus of this two-day conference will be on the individual personnel (officers/enlisted/civilians) of the PLA Navy and other relevant services and their roles within their respective organizations, together with related dynamics, rules, and policies.

Most Recent Events

Peter Dutton, director of the China Maritime Studies Institute at U.S. Naval War College (NWC), speaks to participants of the 2016 Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups Symposium at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island.

CMSI Conference: China's Gray Zone Maritime Operations

Tuesday, May 02-03, 2017
McCarty Little Hall Auditorium, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

This conference covered China’s major maritime forces beyond core People's Liberation Army navy units, with particular focus on China’s second and third sea forces: the “white-hulled” coast guard and “blue-hulled” maritime militia.

Peter Dutton, director of the China Maritime Studies Institute at U.S. Naval War College (NWC), speaks to participants of the 2016 Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups Symposium at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island.

CMSI Conference: China's Naval Shipbuilding

Tuesday, May 19-20, 2015
McCarty Little Hall Auditorium, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

This is the tenth conference hosted by CMSI and it will focus on the CNO-directed topic of China's naval shipbuilding.

Peter Dutton, director of the China Maritime Studies Institute at U.S. Naval War College (NWC), speaks to participants of the 2016 Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups Symposium at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island.

CMSI Conference: US, Chinese perspectives on the blue economy

Thursday, December 11-12, 2014
McCarty Little Hall Auditorium, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

On December 11-12, 2014, the China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI) hosted a two-day workshop in Newport, RI entitled “US and Chinese Perspectives on the Blue Economy.”

Peter Dutton, director of the China Maritime Studies Institute at U.S. Naval War College (NWC), speaks to participants of the 2016 Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups Symposium at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island.

CMSI Conference: China's Evolving Surface Fleet

Wednesday, May 01-02, 2013
McCarty Little Hall Auditorium, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

This was the ninth annual conference hosted by the China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI) and focused on the chief of naval operations-directed topic of China's surface capabilities and strategic implications.

Peter Dutton, director of the China Maritime Studies Institute at U.S. Naval War College (NWC), speaks to participants of the 2016 Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups Symposium at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island.

CMSI Conference: China's Far Seas Operations

Wednesday, May 09-10, 2012
McCarty Little Hall Auditorium, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

This conference extended existing research concerning the link between China's naval and maritime development, China's evolving foreign policies, and America's traditional use of naval power.

Peter Dutton, director of the China Maritime Studies Institute at U.S. Naval War College (NWC), speaks to participants of the 2016 Center on Irregular Warfare and Armed Groups Symposium at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island.

CMSI Conference: China's Strategy for the Near Seas

Tuesday, May 10-11, 2011
McCarty Little Hall Auditorium, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

This conference theme explored China’s claims and capabilities within and around the ‘first island chain’ or in the so-called ‘near seas.’