US Support for People's Republic of China Defense Modernization.
Abstract
The decision to develop a military relationship between the U.S. and The People's Republic of China has already been made. The problem is to determine the scope, pace and methods. This essay identifies and discusses seven factors which impact on those three policy concerns. The seven factors are: (1) the Taiwan issue, (2) the PRC domestic economic situation, (3) the PRC absorptive capacity for advanced technology, (4) PLA military doctrine, (5) perceptions of U.S. allies, (6) the U.S. - Soviet relationship, particularly as manifested in the SALT discussions, and (7) longe-range ideological compatibility. The essay concludes that a strong stable China is in the interest of the United States. It suggests that the U.S. should orchestrate the development of the relationship at a slow measured pace taking the seven factors into account at each state. Finally, it suggests that the U.S. should initially focus on training and education of the PLA to assure continued stability within the PRC, increase the absorptive capacity and cause the PRC ideological system to evolve to something more compatible with that of the U.S. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 25, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA119007
Entities
People
- Monte R. Bullard
Organizations
- United States Army War College