Chinese Military Modernization and the Future of Taiwan

Abstract

The potential military capabilities of the People's Republic of China (PRC) carry tremendous implications for the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan, The PRC's military modernization efforts are quickly eroding the ROC's qualitative military advantage As the PRC modernizes, the possibility for a peaceful reunification diminishes However, if it chooses an aggressive solution for reunification, the PRC recognizes that it may have to contend with the United States coming to Taiwan's aid, This thesis addresses the PRC's efforts to modernize its armed forces, Since 1985, Beijing has initiated a dedicated process of preparing the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to fight future wars, Through detailed analysis of U.S. military campaigns in the Middle East and the Balkans, the PRC has implemented new doctrine and equipment to help transform the PLA into a superior fighting force, As it modernizes, the PRC is developing strategies to force Taiwan's reunification with the mainland, Also, the PRC is developing asymmetric methods to defeat the possible presence of U,S, forces in the Taiwan Strait, The modernization of the PLA is dedicated towards achieving both of these goals.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 2003
Accession Number
ADA420431

Entities

People

  • Christopher M. Farricker

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Counter WMD
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerial Warfare
  • Air Force
  • Airframes
  • Combat Areas
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • International Law
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Science
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Naval Operations
  • Naval Warfare
  • Navy
  • Treaties
  • Warfare
  • Weapons Effects

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • Economics
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies