Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores a central theme: the recalibration of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) roles and missions since Xi Jinping assumed the trifecta of Chinese party–state–military power. It describes the transformative change the PLA has undergone since the profound realization of its previous limitations vis-a-vis the United States (US)’ advanced military operations of the previous century. The book also describes the enhancements in the PLA’s stronger technological base and evolving doctrine, spurred on by Chinese national desire for “powerful armed forces which are commensurate with China’s international standing and meet the needs of its security and development interests.” It discusses the politics of the PLA, in particular, the state of Chinese civil–military dynamics following Xi Jinping’s declaration of war against military malfeasance.