ABSTRACT

China’s reform policies during the past decade have resulted in the reorganization of economic and political structures and have led to a dramatic reorientation of the nation’s foreign policy. These reforms have especially influenced China’s military establishment, which is now in a period of major transition. What new paradigm is replacing the old Maoist model of People’s War, however, is not clear. This book examines what China’s military modernization means for the global and regional balance of power and for China’s internal political-economic system. Specific chapters focus on changes in Chinese strategy and doctrine, developments in defense industries and military procurements, China’s acquisition of foreign technology, its military education system, and its nuclear weapons program.