China as a major Asian power: the implications of its military modernization (a view from the United States)

There is a seeming contradiction betwen China’s increasing influence in global and regional politics and the apprehension seen in Beijing’s perception of its security environment. Without doubt, China today is more influential in world politics and the Asia-Pacific region than at any time in the modern era. Yet Beijing’s official national defense policy suggests China is extremely uncertain about its national security environment. So apprehensive is Beijing that it believes military power is becoming increasingly important in preserving China’s security. This anxiety comes after 15 years of double-digit defense budget increases and is reflected in what appears to be an acceleration of China’s military modernization programs.