Maritime Issues and Oceans

CSIS experts spotlight the maritime security environment in the Indo-Pacific, using regional experience and satellite imagery to provide leading analysis.

Photo: Zhang Jiansong/Xinhua via Getty Images

Photo: Zhang Jiansong/Xinhua via Getty Images

China’s Weaponization of Dual-Use Research Vessels for Undersea Data Dominance

Analysis of 223 vessels finds that Chinese research ships spend an unusually large share of time near subsea infrastructure on the high seas. The findings call for stronger allied monitoring, coordinated patrols, and faster cable repair.

Report by Jose M. Macias III, Tao-Hung Chang, Nico Vacca, and Benjamin Jensen — October 8, 2026

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Gregory B. Poling

Gregory B. Poling

Director and Senior Fellow, Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative
Harrison Prétat

Harrison Prétat

Deputy Director and Fellow, Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative

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China’s Weaponization of Dual-Use Research Vessels for Undersea Data Dominance

Analysis of 223 vessels finds that Chinese research ships spend an unusually large share of time near subsea infrastructure on the high seas. The findings call for stronger allied monitoring, coordinated patrols, and faster cable repair.

Report by Jose M. Macias III, Tao-Hung Chang, Nico Vacca, and Benjamin Jensen — October 8, 2026

Japan as a Maritime Great Power and the China Challenge

Join the CSIS Japan Chair for a discussion of Japan’s evolution as one of the world’s most significant maritime great powers, the challenges it faces from China, and the potential for U.S.-Japan cooperation.

Event — October 1, 2026

Evaluating Pathways for U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation with Allies

This report examines how deeper cooperation with allies—particularly South Korea and Japan—could help the United States attain the naval capabilities it needs. 

Report by Henry H. Carroll, Cynthia R. Cook, Seamus P. Daniels, and Oliver B. Buntin — August 10, 2026

Flipping the Script: How to Hold China’s New Carriers at Risk

For two decades, the debate has fixated on whether China can sink a U.S. aircraft carrier. This report flips the script: as Beijing builds its own fleet of high-value carriers, how can the United States and its allies hold China’s carriers at risk?

Report by Benjamin Jensen, Mackenzie Eaglen, Henry H. Carroll, and Harold "Bud" Bishop — August 3, 2026

Sixteenth Annual South China Sea Conference

This full-day conference will feature keynote addresses and in-depth panel discussions on recent developments in disputed waters and the importance of the 10-year anniversary of the landmark South China Sea arbitration.

Event — July 7, 2026

Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum

Join the CSIS Stephenson Ocean Security Project and Human Rights Initiative for the Ocean Security and Human Rights Forum on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Event — June 9, 2026

Revisiting the Relationship Between Economic and Sea Power

Sea power begins with economic power. MAP and the SHIPS Act seek to rebuild the maritime industrial base—shipyards, mariners, logistics networks, and commercial fleets—that underpins U.S. naval strategy and will bolster U.S. maritime competitiveness against China.

Commentary by Benjamin Jensen and Mackenzie Eaglen — May 22, 2026