Out of the Dragon's Museum: Motivations for PLA Equipment Modernization
Abstract
This thesis explains the PLA's equipment modernization program by identifying Beijing's primary threat perception and how that affects Chinese modernization choices. Competing motivations for the PRC's military modernization will be evaluated in the context of three highly publicized recent weapons purchases: Su-27 FLANKERs, KILO SS's and SOVREMENNY DDG's. The PLA's equipment modernization program is motivated by concerns over sovereignty and territorial integrity. This thesis concludes that China's equipment upgrade program is primarily the result of the PRC leadership's perception that the United States Navy is China's most likely adversary. Future weapon acquisition policies such as foreign acquisition of advanced platforms, indigenous production of modern weapons, emphasis on older generation equipment, or a combination approach will be evaluated in the context of present trends. The PLA's modernization program is intended to support national strategic defense priorities by purchasing advanced weapons to provide a near-term capability while concurrently attempting to remedy shortcomings in the PRC's military-industrial infrastructure. Understanding the PLA's actions as a response to the regime's perception of the U.S. Navy as a threat highlights both the great importance that China's leaders place on sovereignty issues and the significant challenges facing their military modernization program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA349648
Entities
People
- Andrew L. Caldera
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School