The military of the people’s Republic of China: strategy and implementation

Abstract

China is determined to uproot a traditional ground-based People’s Liberation Army (PLA) towards a high-tech based modern armed forces to protect China’s national interests in an ever-changing geopolitical and security environment in the 21st century. In fact, this high-tech based military transformation mindset has been initiated since the early 1990s when China constantly increased its defense spending at an average of 12-15% annually and rigorously pursued modern and advanced weapon system and equipment acquisition and development programs, which induced constant impressive comments from other countries. China’s intention is underlined by its defense policy and evolving military strategy.