National Goals and Objectives of the People's Republic of China
Abstract
Mutual understanding is one of the prerequisites for intelligent interaction between nations. In the case of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the United States, doors to such understanding are inching open on both sides. Hopefully each new opening will shed fresh light on matters of mutual agreement or disagreement. Certain fundamental perspectives, however, will remain true unless clear evidence of substantial change appears. In the absence of such evidence, the following summary of general goals and more specific objectives will be valid for any assessment of policies likely to be adopted by Peking in the foreseeable future. It is based on a continuity in theory and practice which suggests the national priorities set by the Maoist leadership since 1949. Even in the event of unprecedented tactical maneuvers by the PRC, it is submitted that the weight of doctrinal authority and national interest precludes extreme or permanent deviation from the general line. National goals have been outlined, from time to time, in general and doctrinaire statements from Peking. Two of the more recent formulations date from 1969. The first, from Lin Piao's report to the Ninth Party Congress, emphasizes preservation of the regime and strengthening the economy as fundamental domestic goals. The second, from the new Constitution of the Chinese Communist Party, addresses external goals. This article addresses the following questions: (1) What domestic and foreign goals are likely to influence policy formation in Peking during the foreseeable future?; (2) What constraints are operative on the achievement of such goals?; and (3) What are the more specific objectives likely to be selected by the People's Republic of China for the coming decade?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1972
- Accession Number
- ADA511099
Entities
People
- John E. Coon
Organizations
- United States Army War College