People's Liberation Army Doctrine and Political-Military Integration in China's National Strategies
Abstract
This monograph explores the role of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in broader People's Republic of China (PRC) strategies. It examines the PLA's organizational and theoretical integration with political leadership, and how this integration shapes PLA doctrine. It argues that at the conceptual level, China's national strategies are highly integrated. As China's military means more deeply integrate with other national means and political ends under Xi Jinping's holistic approach to national security, PLA doctrine will evolve in significant ways. Some of these trends, such as the employment of the PLA to support global governance and development interests, and increased political centralization, are well under way. Other trends, such as a growing emphasis on the offense, will accelerate as political centralization solidifies and China perceives its period of strategic opportunity coming to a close. Understanding how China's holistic approach to national security will continue to shape PLA doctrine is especially significant for the US, as fundamental aspects of Beijing's approach may challenge bilateral stability, conflict avoidance, and crisis management.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 23, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1083696
Entities
People
- Brian L. Willis
Organizations
- School of Advanced Military Studies