China's Drive to Great Power Status and the Evolution of Future Asian Security Alignments
Abstract
China embarked upon the path of economic modernization in 1978. Since then, China's GDP has grown approximately 10-fold. While China's leaders concentrated on development of the economy, science and technology, and agriculture, commensurate resources were not allotted for modernization of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). However, special care was taken to ensure that the reform process did not derail. This was done by creating a peaceful external environment and managing internal tensions. China has now reached a stage of economic development in which substantial resources can be allotted for modernization of the Armed Forces. China's strategic interests lie in the Asia-Pacific region, Central Asia, and South-West Asia. In the future, an economically and militarily resurgent China is likely to exert considerable influence on the security situation in Asia and the rest of the world. This Strategy Research Project will examine China's strategic environment and interests and likely course of military modernization to achieve great power status. Some analysts are of the view that the emergence of China as a superpower cannot be stopped and that it can only be delayed at best. Emergence of China as an economic power is a foregone conclusion. The issue arises as to whether China can be groomed to be a benign military power. Some recommended measures available to the international community, particularly the United States, Japan, Russia, Korea, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and India, for countering/engaging China are delineated. The final section of the paper focuses on the role of India in the future security of Asia, including Chinese strategy for the containment of India, India's national security objectives with regard to China, and how India can achieve those objectives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA431717
Entities
People
- Govinda M. Nair
Organizations
- United States Army War College