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Innovation in the New Era of Chinese Military Power
The Diplomat: Innovation in the New Era of Chinese Military Power
Elsa B. Kania CNAS
China’s State Council Information Office has just released a new national defense white paper, which is the first since the launch of major military reforms in 2015. This document includes an assessment of the international security situation and provides an official explanation of China’s defense policy, missions, military reforms, and defense expenditure. While unsparing in its critique of power politics and American “hegemonism,” the defense white paper also calls for China’s armed forces to “adapt to the new landscape of strategic competition.” In Xi Jinping’s “new era,” the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is urged to strengthen its preparedness and enhance combat capabilities commensurate with China’s global standing and interests. As the PLA pursues the objective of transforming into “world-class forces” by mid-century, the U.S. military may confront the unprecedented challenge of a potential adversary with formidable and rapidly advancing capabilities.
As an attempt to reassure the international community of China’s commitment to “world peace,” this defense white paper may have limited utility, particularly juxtaposed against the strident signaling of resolve on the “Taiwan question.” This articulation of China’s national defense is direct and explicit in highlighting the willingness to use force to prevent and defeat any attempts at “Taiwan independence.”
As an attempt to reassure the international community of China’s commitment to “world peace,” this defense white paper may have limited utility, particularly juxtaposed against the strident signaling of resolve on the “Taiwan question.” This articulation of China’s national defense is direct and explicit in highlighting the willingness to use force to prevent and defeat any attempts at “Taiwan independence.”
More: https://thediplomat.com/2019/07/innovation-in-the-new-era-of-chinese-military-power/
The July 26 VOA broadcast in Korea focused on China's claim that the US focus on the Indo Pacific and strengthening alliances was destabilizing the strategic balance. Also that the Chinese defense white paper was again raising the THAAD issue to drive a wedge in the US-South Korean alliance. "Experts" suggested the opposition to THAAD in South Korea was externally driven by China.
From the Wash Post:
China takes aim at U.S. and Taiwan in new military blueprint
Gerry Shih
July 24 at 6:08 AM
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/china-takes-aim-at-us-taiwan-in-new-military-blueprint/2019/07/24/38168b14-adbf-11e9-9411-a608f9d0c2d3_story.html?utm_term=.9f495e21d2b0