Publication

This publication discusses the principal aspects of China’s defense strategy in the post-Cold War era, presenting an overview of the Sino-Russian defense cooperation. The main focus is placed on the evolution of the operational/tactical doctrine of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA); PLA’s plans for the development of regional power-projection capabilities; the roles of the United States and Japan as critical independent variables, influencing China’s foreign and defense policies; China’s threat perceptions in the 21st century; the centrality of the Taiwan issue in the Chinese defense planning; as well as, the development of “sea denial” and anti-aircraft carrier capabilities by the PLA Navy. In addition, the author explores the main dilemmas and challenges posed by the Sino-Russian cooperation in the defense sector, and identifies the main factors that will determine the future prospects of this relationship. Particular focus is placed on arms transfers and military-technical cooperation between the two neighbouring states.