How is the Chinese army developing? What preparations is the PLA making for warfare in the future? Why do they need to “go out”? China Armed Forces invited military experts from the PLA Academy of Military Sciences to explain what’s behind the white paper, China’s Military Strategy.
Is this an era of world peace?
The white paper says:
“In the foreseeable future, a world war is unlikely.”
“With a generally favorable external environment, China will remain in an important period of strategic opportunities for its development, a period in which much can be achieved.”
“China, as a large developing country, still faces multiple and complex security threats.”
Yu Miao (research fellow with the Academy’s defense policy research center):
It is essential to correctly assess the international situation and national security environment before laying down military strategy. China’s comprehensive national power, core competence and risk resistance capacity has been rising remarkably, yet it still faces internal and external risks regarding great-power politics, sovereignty and maritime rights disputes.
The world today is highly interdependent. Any regional conflicts or wars can harm the long-term interests of all parties. So China’s willingness to maintain and promote regional stability is strong and sincere, and China is staying alert to risks to its strategic opportunities for development.
China Armed Forces:
On the issues concerning China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, some of its offshore neighbors take provocative actions and reinforce their military presence on Chinese reefs and islands they have illegally occupied. Some external countries are also busy meddling in South China Sea affairs; a tiny few maintain constant close air and sea surveillance and reconnaissance against China. The white paper has explicitly stated the situation. In sum, China faces various complex security threats, and the army faces challenging responsibilities.
Missions of China’s armed forces
The white paper says:
“China’s armed forces will effectively perform their missions in the new historical period; resolutely uphold the leadership of the CPC and the socialist system with Chinese characteristics; safeguard China’s sovereignty, security and development interests; safeguard the important period of strategic opportunities for China’s development; maintain regional and world peace; and strive to provide a strong guarantee for completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all aspects and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
Zhao Dexi (research fellow with the Academy’s military strategy department):
The mission of the army involves its long-term fundamental responsibilities and tasks. With the changing times and national security environment, the PLA’s mission is continuously expanding. The “four safeguards” listed in the white paper lay down a basic plan for its construction and combat readiness.
China Armed Forces:
From “combat team, work team and production team” in the revolutionary era to “protect our home and motherland” at the beginning of reform and opening up in late 1970s, to today’s “four safeguards”, the expanded mission of the army reflects the expansion of China’s national interests.
