Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2015
Abstract
The People s Republic of China (PRC) continues to pursue a long-term, comprehensive military modernization program designed to improve its armed forces capacity to fight short-duration, highintensity regional conflicts. Preparing for potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait remains the focus and primary driver of China s military investment; however, the PRC is increasing its emphasis on preparations for contingencies other than Taiwan, such as contingencies in the East China Sea and South China Sea. Additionally, as China s global footprint and international interests grow, its military modernization program has become progressively more focused on investments for a range of missions beyond China s periphery, including power projection, sea lane security, counter-piracy, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR). China views modernization of the People s Liberation Army (PLA) as essential to achieving great power status and what Chinese President Xi Jinping calls the China Dream of national rejuvenation. Chinese leaders see a strong military as critical to prevent other countries from taking steps that would damage China s interests and to ensure China can defend itself, should deterrence fail. China seeks to ensure basic stability along its periphery and avoid direct confrontation with the United States in order to focus on domestic development and smooth China s rise. Despite this, Chinese leaders in 2014 demonstrated a willingness to tolerate a higher level of regional tension as China sought to advance its interests, such as in competing territorial claims in the East China Sea and South China Sea. China s military modernization has the potential to reduce core U.S. military technological advantages.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA620289
Entities
Organizations
- Office of the Secretary of Defense