Publication

Since the mid-1990s, China's military modernization has focused on deterring Taiwan independence and preparing for a military response if deterrence fails. Given China's assumption of US intervention in a Taiwan conflict, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been developing military capabilities to deter, delay, and disrupt US military support operations. This paper briefly lays out China's overall grand strategy. Then, it analyzes the new challenges and difficulties that China will face in its relations with the region and the United States as a result of stable cross-strait relations. It also briefly discusses the potential choices for PLA modernization after deeper rapprochement provides more resources and new options.