ABSTRACT
China’s growing military power and in particular the development and deployment of anti-access and area-denial (A2/AD) capabilities in recent years pose serious challenges to US security interests in East Asia, including its ability to access markets and resources, to promote and defend democratic rule, and to reassure allies and partners. Over the past two decades, major changes have taken place and are turning the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) into a military force focused on, and increasingly capable of fighting, local warfare under high-tech and informationalized conditions. Such changes have occurred in doctrinal development, training, and recruitment; procurement of major conventional weapons systems as well as enhancement of indigenous defence industrial capabilities; and nuclear and missile modernization. How would Beijing use its newly acquired military power in dealing with issues such as territorial disputes? Will a rising China challenge the United States, undermine the credibility of its extended deterrence, and aspire for regional hegemony? What should US responses be to growing Chinese military power? This chapter seeks to address some of these questions and offers some policy recommendations.
