Chinese Military Modernization: Force Development and Strategic Capabilities

Changing political relationships and a substantial increase in resources have prompted the Chinese leadership to accelerate the modernization of its armed forces. Observers, not least the United States, have wondered what objectives China's military buildup is meant to serve. Given the Chinese government's extreme secrecy about military budgets, force training, and weapon system procurement, there is considerable room for speculation. This study provides an assessment of the current state of the…