According to PLA doctrine, what primary tactic is used to push the United States back to the MTC, and when else do they strike?

• A. Destroy reconnaissance and surveillance, then ambush along the phase line or route progression; also strike during US assembly or deployment.
• B. Initiate a static defensive stand and invite the US to attack.
• C. Conduct a long-range naval blockade of coastal approaches.
• D. Launch a broad-front assault without deception or reconnaissance.

Answer: (A)

The tactic centers on disrupting US entry and tempo by first neutralizing its eyes and ears—reconnaissance and surveillance assets—and then using ambushes along the movement corridor, such as phase lines or route progressions, to disrupt and slow the advance. Striking during US assembly or deployment targets the critical buildup before forces can mass, making it harder for the United States to enter the theater on favorable terms and pushing operations back toward the Main Theater Command area.

This approach fits PLA thinking on anti-access/area denial: degrade the enemy’s ability to observe and maneuver, create confusion, and strike at moments when US forces are consolidating or arriving, to keep the fight at the outer edges rather than deep inside friendly lines. Other options don’t align with that emphasis on destroying ISR, exploiting movement corridors, and seizing opportunities during initial US assembly or deployment.