Mao's Army Goes to Sea

The book delves into the formation of China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Mao Zedong's strategies during the civil war, focusing on the conquest of offshore islands to solidify power against Nationalist China. Utilizing newly accessible Chinese-language sources, it reveals how early naval development, sea battles, and landings shaped the PLAN's identity and operational strategies. This comprehensive account challenges the belief that the early People's Republic of China neglected naval matters, highlighting their significant maritime ambitions.