The PLA and China's Rejuvenation: National Security and Military Strategies, Deterrence Concepts, and Combat Capabilities

Abstract

Abstract : Recent analysis of Chinas military modernization effort has focused heavily on the Peoples Liberation Armys (PLA) development of concepts and capabilities to deter or delay foreign forces responding to crises along Chinas periphery. However, China developed these capabilities within the context of broader strategic requirements. This study describes Chinas national and security strategies and its approach to war and escalation control; summarizes its capabilities developments; and reviews its concepts for deterrence in strategic and conventional domains. This report is intended as a general reference document for senior defense officials and other policymakers seeking an understanding of the links between Chinas national development strategy and its security and defense policies, strategies and concepts. The information in this report outlines the assessments of Chinas leaders on many critical issuesfrom their views of the international security environment and domestic and international threats, to how to manage crises, escalation, and deterrence, to development of military capabilities. As this study indicates, these Chinese assessments are not static; they evolve as Chinas standing in the world increases and its national interests grow, and the conclusions Chinese planners draw from such assessments also change. The necessity of continuing to monitor and analyze emerging literature and assessments on concepts discussed in this reportparticularly those with broader implications for current events, such as Chinas defense of territorial claims in the South China Sea and prospects for crisis managementwill be crucial.