The People's Republic of China in Transition: An Assessment of the People's Liberation Army

Abstract : This Land Warfare Paper examines the armed forces of the most populous country of the world. This is accomplished in context with the economic and geostrategic factors which afford China much of its power and influence. The author, a professional intelligence officer, draws upon a wide spectrum of views and opinions of prominent officials and scholars in the assembly of the body of the study and subjects them to critical comparison and analysis. Key to the analysis is an examination of the wide array of U.S. interests in China, to include factors impacting Japan and other important states in the region. These include both the "softer" issues, such as humanitarian concerns, and the "harder" matters of competitive economic and strategic focus. The most important U.S. interests are placed in perspective with a comprehensive review of the country's strategic background. The structure, size and evolving doctrine of the People's Liberation Army (armed forces) are reviewed and assessed in context with the forces' missions and possible contingency requirements. The most notable contingency, of course, is Taiwan, still in dispute since the movement of the Kuomintang government to the island half a century ago. The author draws succinct conclusions, particularly with respect to the vulnerabilities of Taiwan, but also regarding broader aspects of China's strategic posture.