China's Military-Civil Fusion Strategy: Lessons for INDOPACOM | MAJ Simon Pena

How does China’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy support its 2035 and 2049 national objectives, and what are its hidden weaknesses? What lessons should U.S. and joint force leaders apply when facing this peer adversary? In this interview, MAJ Simon Pena (U.S. Air Force), an Art of War Scholar at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC), discusses his MMAS thesis on China’s Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) national strategy. He explores how the PRC integrates civilian and military resources to advance its global ambitions, the strengths and significant frictions within the approach, and practical insights for officers heading to INDOPACOM and other commands. Hosted by MAJ Tyree Meadows, the conversation covers the Art of War Scholars Program experience, the rigorous thesis process, the transformative use of AI for data analysis (sorting 650+ sources), perspective shifts during research, and the enduring value of studying military history for modern leaders. This interview is part of the 2025–2026 Scholar Profile Interview Series highlighting members of the Information Advantage Scholars Program and Art of War Scholars Program at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. The series explores student research, professional development, operational insights, and the evolving challenges shaping the future of warfare and military leadership. Topics Discussed: China’s Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) Strategy PRC 2035 and 2049 National Objectives Strengths and weaknesses of Chinese grand strategy AI-assisted research and data analysis in professional military education The Art of War Scholars Program at CGSC Value of military history for today’s leaders Lessons for INDOPACOM and joint force operations Thesis development, revision, and defense process Interviewee: MAJ Simon Pena, U.S. Air Force (Incoming 436 Force Support Squadron Commander, Dover AFB) Interviewer: MAJ Tyree Meadows Production Support: Meadows Media LLC The U.S. Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) develops agile, adaptive leaders through professional military education focused on leadership, operational art, history, and the evolving character of warfare. Subscribe for additional discussions covering: Information Advantage • China Strategy • Military-Civil Fusion • Art of War Scholars • Multi-Domain Operations • Leadership • Professional Military Education • INDOPACOM #CGSC #ArtOfWarScholars #MilitaryCivilFusion #ChinaStrategy #INDOPACOM #USAirForce #ProfessionalMilitaryEducation #MMAS #MilitaryInnovation #Leadership #MilitaryHistory #PeerAdversary Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. Government. Video Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Discovering the Art of War Scholars Program 01:27 What is the Art of War Program? 02:18 Application Process 03:26 Thesis Evolution & Perspective Changes 04:24 Thesis Topic: China’s Military-Civil Fusion Strategy 05:34 AI for Data Analysis (650+ Sources) 07:07 Most Surprising Discoveries & Weaknesses 08:19 Key Takeaways for INDOPACOM Leaders 09:24 Why Study Military History? 10:43 Advice for Future CGSC & Art of War Students 12:27 Closing Thoughts