The China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI) has held conferences since 2005. Conferences have addressed a range of issues in Chinese maritime development, from submarines to surface ships to shipbuilding. They have yielded the publication of eight scholarly books and counting, dozens of published academic articles, and impactful briefings for key U.S. decision-makers and relevant staffs.
Opening panel of CMSI conference on “The People of China’s Navy and Other Maritime Forces”
(U.S. Navy photo by Kristopher Burris, Naval War College, 14 May 2025, https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9038838/naval-war-college-gathers-china-experts-discuss-personnel-strengths-weaknesses-pla-navy)
About China Maritime Studies Institute Conferences
Typically lasting two to three days, our CMSI conferences occur biennially and convene academic experts, policy makers, and practitioners for presentations and panel discussions that focus on selected aspects of Chinese maritime development and the international security environment. Keynote speakers further illuminate related issues of concern.
These conferences serve to stimulate focused research and foster dialogue among American experts, together with Allies and Partners, resulting in enhanced understanding and continued productive research and analysis on priority focus areas. Although short in duration, the annual CMSI conferences have lasting impact through insights that inform leaders, decision-makers, and other key stakeholders. Conference research is compiled and enhanced in edited volumes in our “Studies in Chinese Maritime Development” series, which may be accessed here: https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cmsi-studies/
Upcoming Event
There are no events currently scheduled for this series, please check back for more information.
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.
U.S. Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841
This conference will examine Chinese undersea warfare capabilities—present and future—in the context of intensifying great power competition with the United States.
McCarty Little Hall, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841
The People's Liberation Army Navy is engaged in a “strategic transformation” from a regional navy to a force also capable of effective operations in other parts of the world.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
McCarty Little Hall Auditorium, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841
The objective of this conference was derived from the October 2007 "Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower" goal to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with more international partners.
