China's Military Transformation -- Signaling an Aggressive Global Force Projection Strategy?
Abstract
There has clearly been a shift in Chinese Grand Strategy since 2000 as a result of its rapid growth. In 2003, President Hu talked of "peaceful development," but Chinese history and culture, as well as the military transformation which has taken place since 2000, paint a different picture. What strategy does the PRC's historic military transformation signal, and what can be inferred from the available information about the PRC's future strategic intent? Is China's intent one of "peaceful development," or a more aggressive end marked by the sort of deception advocated by the Chinese military theorist Sun Tzu? To understand where China is going with its strategy, one must review the following: the history that shaped China and its culture, recent PRC strategy documents, and upcoming Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Central Military Commission (CMC) leadership changes. Understanding the PRC's military acquisition programs, adjustments to its military strategy and doctrine, and PLA forces' training and exercises also serve as possible indicators. Finally, a review of the PRC's economic trends serves to show whether it will be feasible for the Chinese to execute their intended strategy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 16, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA561270
Entities
People
- Kevin F. Gregory
Organizations
- United States Army War College