The Impact of Internal Unrest and Disputed Borders on Chinese Military Forces

Abstract

The thesis of this paper is that internal unrest and disputed borders will shape the military forces of the People's Republic of China (PRC) for the foreseeable future. Modern Chinese history is examined to help the reader understand the origins of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the influence of history on modern Chinese military forces. The strategic environment of China in 2011 is discussed with an emphasis on economic, demographic and social challenges that may influence future Chinese military development and employment. In order to craft an effective policy for engagement with China, U.S. military planners must take a holistic view, including consideration of the PLA's ethos, its place in Chinese society, ongoing modernization efforts and challenges in the short and long term.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 26, 2011
Accession Number
ADA545535

Entities

People

  • Michael L. May

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Asymmetric Warfare
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Economic Systems
  • Employment
  • Geography
  • Governments
  • International Law
  • International Organizations
  • Investments
  • Military Forces (Foreign)
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Political Systems
  • Terrorists
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Asian Economic Studies
  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.