The Chinese Army Today: Tradition and Transformation for the 21st Century

by Blasko; Dennis J.

• ISBN13: 9780415770026
• ISBN10: 0415770025
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-01-13
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

The Chinese Army Todayis a unique and comprehensive study of all elements of Chinese military modernization, focusing on its ground forces to a degree not found in any other contemporary works. In 1999, the military modernization program of the Chinese People's Liberation Army that had been underway for 20 years increased in intensity and achieved a focus not seen in the previous two decades. Based primarily on Chinese sources, this book details the changes implemented since 1999 and puts them in the context of the many traditions that still remain. Written by a retired professional military officer who has served in China, this book presents the reader with the key developments since 1999. Its discussion on training and doctrine provides a level of detail not found in other works, but is essential to understanding the progress made in China's military modernization and the obstacles yet to be overcome. The author uses first-hand observation of the Chinese military and three decades ofmilitary experience to weave many disparate threads from official Chinese statements, documents, and media reports into an integrated whole. This text defines exactly what forces make up the People's Liberation Army and examines in detail ground force organization and structure, personnel policies, doctrine and training, new equipment entering the force, and missions routinely undertaken in support of society. This is an essential book for all students and scholars of China and Asia, political science and international relations and of contemporary military affairs and strategic studies.

Table of Contents

List of illustrations	p. viii
List of tables	p. ix
Preface	p. xi
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
List of abbreviations	p. xv
Introduction	p. 1
What is the PLA?	p. 16
Who is the PLA?	p. 47
Where is the PLA?	p. 66
How will the PLA fight?	p. 91
What equipment does the PLA use?	p. 121
How does the PLA train?	p. 144
What is the role of the PLA in Chinese society?	p. 171
Conclusions and the ghosts of Tiananmen	p. 182
Notes	p. 195
Select bibliography	p. 221
Index	p. 224
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