Publication

This paper evaluates the ability of the People's Republic of China (PRC) to build and serve as a credible military force in the 21st century. It argues that China's military potential is not only based on its capability to defeat an adversary, but also its ability to coerce and exercise influence. The author examines a set of factors and evaluates whether economic growth is the most important determinant of potential military power. He contends that although China could become a dominant military power, the PRC is more likely to be overcome by internal problems.