Against an enveloping US force, which combination of PLA measures is emphasized?

• A. Counterreconnaissance to deny flank information; depth defense; antitank ambush along the flanking route.
• B. Naval interdiction and coastal defense.
• C. Only air superiority operations.
• D. Deception to appear stronger at the front.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is using maritime power to constrain and complicate the enemy’s reach when facing an enveloping force. Focusing on naval interdiction and coastal defense aligns with how the PLA aims to counter a US-led encirclement: disrupt sea lines of communication and defend the littoral zones to prevent or complicate large-scale projections and amphibious operations. By interdicting maritime movement, you raise the cost and risk for the attacker to sustain and maneuver, while strong coastal defenses protect critical areas and deny access from the sea.

Other approaches rely more on land-centric or deceptive tactics that don’t address the primary vulnerability created by sea power. Focusing only on air superiority ignores the sea-denial dimension and the ability of a capable navy to threaten infrastructure, logistics, and enemy flotillas. A land-depth defense or ambushes along a flank assume land dominance and do not directly counter the adversary’s naval and amphibious options. Deception to appear stronger at the front is less durable against a modern, joint force with superior ISR and mobility.

So, naval interdiction plus coastal defense embodies the PLA’s emphasis on denying the enemy’s sea-based access and protecting coastlines, helping to shape an advantageous strategic environment in a maritime-focused conflict.