In the complex tapestry of global security, China’s national defence strategy emerges as a pivotal thread, shaping the contours of power and influence in the 21st century. As the country strides into a new age with rapid technological advancements and changing geopolitical landscapes, understanding the nuances of China’s national defence becomes crucial. This strategy not only delineates the country’s military blueprint but also offers insights into its broader ambitions on the world stage.
Given this context, the analysis of China’s national defence unveils the strategic calculus guiding its actions and decisions, a subject of immense importance for policymakers, analysts, and the international community at large. This piece of writing provides a comprehensive examination of China’s national defence strategy in the new era, covering key components, strategic implications, and the international response. By delving into the background and context, it sheds light on how this strategy reflects China’s vision for its future and its place in the global order. The discussion extends to explore the strategic pillars underpinning China’s defence posture, the potential consequences of this approach for regional and global security dynamics, and how it has been received by countries around the world.
Through this analysis, the article aims to offer a detailed understanding of the intricacies and implications of China’s national defence plans, contributing to a more informed discourse on the subject.
1. Background and Context
1.1.Overview Of The Defence Strategy Paper
The document titled “China’s National Defence in the New Era” (Hui, 2019) was released on 22 July (CSIS, 2022), both in English and Chinese languages. This issuance marked a significant shift from China’s previously more generic defence white papers. Notably, the most recent prior document in 2015 was criticized for its lack of substantive content. The 2019 version, however, directly addresses the challenges outlined in the US National Security Strategy and Defence Strategy, which identify China as a primary strategic competitor. This white paper articulates China’s defensive posture but also touches upon every aspect of its military development outlined in the reports on Chinese Military Power by the U.S.
1.2.Purpose Behind The Document
The purpose of the 2019 defence strategy paper is multifaceted. Primarily, it serves as a response to international concerns about China’s military modernization and growing global influence. By providing detailed insights into China’s military strategy and modernization efforts, it aims to enhance transparency and justify China’s military actions as just and peaceful.
Additionally, the document outlines strategic goals for the development of China’s national defence and military. These include achieving mechanization by 2020 (Hui, 2019), significantly enhancing the use of information, and improving strategic capabilities. By 2035, China aims to fully modernize its national defence and military, with a long-term goal of evolving its armed forces into top-class forces by the mid of this century (Hui, 2019).
This white paper also emphasizes China’s commitment to a defensive national defence policy. It systematically expounds on the military strategy and guidelines in the new era, highlighting the principles of “peaceful reunification” and “one country, two systems” concerning Taiwan. It firmly opposes any form of ‘Taiwan independence’ or foreign interference, asserting the necessity of reunification for national rejuvenation. The document underscores China’s stance on using military might for defensive purposes only, aiming to secure national sovereignty, security, and interests without engaging in military based expansion or hegemony.
2. Key Components of the Strategy
2.1.Main Themes
China’s national defence strategy emphasizes the resolute safeguarding of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- The strategy explicitly mentions the Diaoyu and South China Sea Islands as parts of China, asserting China’s right to build infrastructure and expand the defensive capabilities in the region.
- Additionally, the strategy addresses the Taiwan issue, underscoring the ideals of “peaceful reunification” and “one country, two systems.” China promotes peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait but firmly opposes any form of secession or foreign interference.
2.2.Highlighted Achievements
China has outlined specific achievements in its defence strategy, focusing on the modernization and mechanization of its military forces. It mentions that by 2020, the goal was to significantly enhance the information leverage and improve strategic capabilities.
The strategy also highlights the comprehensive advancement of theory of the its military, the structure of the organization, weapons, and equipment, aiming to complete the modernization of national defence and the military by 2035 (Hui, 2019). This phase is crucial for transforming the People’s Armed Forces by the mid of this century.
2.3.Long-term Goals
The long-term goals of China’s national defence strategy are ambitious and reflective of its broader aspirations for global standing and security.
- By mid-century, China aims to advance its armed forces into a top-class military, capable of defending national sovereignty and playing a significant role in global security governance. This includes advocating for cooperative and sustainable security, and actively participating in international security cooperation and reform.
- The strategy also emphasizes China’s commitment to peaceful development and its stance against the use of force unless provoked.
- This strategy not only serves the purpose of enhancing military capabilities but also aligns with China’s vision for national rejuvenation and its role in the international community.
The document in which this strategy is articulated provides a clear view of China’s defence outlook and strategic planning, marking a significant shift in its approach to national and international security challenges.
3. Strategic Implications
China’s national defence strategy, as outlined in recent documentation, significantly impacts both regional security and global military positioning. The implications of these strategic moves are multifaceted, influencing geopolitical dynamics, military alliances, and international relations.
3.1.Regional Security Implications
China’s military modernization has notably shifted the balance of power in the APAC security domain. This shift is complex and multi-pronged. The U.S. allies and partners express concerns over China’s assertiveness and growing military strength (Siangco, 2019), which pose a challenge to the existing regional order.
Despite these concerns, the economic, cultural, and historical ties that many regional actors have with China influence their strategic responses. These nations adopt a spectrum of strategies, ranging from cautious engagement to overt opposition, in response to China’s ambitions.
The strategic dialogue initiatives, supported by entities such as the U.S. Defence Threat Reduction Agency, aim to deepen understanding of China’s military advancements. These dialogues involve key regional players like Australia, Japan, India, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Philippines, and are crucial for assessing the broader implications of China’s military capabilities on regional security.
3.2.Global Military Position
On a global scale, China’s strategy includes securing international military base access, which directly counters America’s extended deterrence strategy, particularly concerning Taiwan, and poses potential threats to other nations like India through strategic encirclement. For instance, base access agreements in locations such as Cambodia, the UAE, and potentially Cuba (Honrada, 2024), enhance China’s ability to project power globally and protect its maritime trade routes.
Furthermore, the expansion of China’s military presence through bases in the Indian Ocean, like in Djibouti and possibly Hambantota, underscores its intent to secure critical maritime corridors. This development is particularly concerning for India, which perceives such moves as a strategic encirclement. China’s approach to revising international trade rules and controlling critical technologies also signifies a broader ambition to reshape global norms to favour its interests. This strategy not only affects the economic sphere but also has significant military implications, as control over these technologies can enhance China’s strategic military capabilities and influence (CSIS, 2022).
In summary, China’s national defence strategy, while aimed at modernizing its military capabilities, also serves broader strategic objectives that impact regional stability and reshape global military dynamics. The strategic implications of these moves are profound, influencing not just military engagements but also economic and technological spheres globally.
4. Response from International Community
4.1.Reactions from Neighboring Countries
China’s national defence strategy has elicited a range of reactions from neighbouring countries, many of which have experienced direct impacts from Beijing’s military and strategic manoeuvres. Concerns about China’s aspirations, particularly in the South China Sea territories and along its border regions, have led to increased collaboration among these nations. For instance, mutual anxieties about China’s assertive policies have spurred nations like India and Vietnam to strengthen their military ties with global powers such as the United States (Hui, 2019), aiming to counterbalance the rise of Chinese hegemony in the region.
The perception of China as a formidable adversary has also been shaped by its border strategies, which are seen as “aggressive” and “expansionist”. This has resulted in the formation of strategic alliances and partnerships, historically with the Soviet Union and currently with the United States, as neighbouring countries seek to safeguard their interests against China’s growing power.
4.2.US and European Perspectives
The United States has expressed significant concerns regarding China’s military activities, particularly its claims and presence in the South China Sea, which is a vital conduit for international trade. The rapid modernization of the Chinese military is viewed as a direct challenge to U.S. interests, heightening fears of potential conflicts. In response, the United States has been actively building cooperative partnerships and developing positive alternatives with partners in the Indo-Pacific region to support a free and open international order.
European reactions have also been noteworthy, especially in light of China’s economic strategies, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, which are perceived as attempts to extend its influence globally. European countries are increasingly wary of the political and military implications of economic ties with China. The joint statement by leaders from China and Russia has further intensified concerns, suggesting a strategic alignment that challenges the traditional Western led order and underscores the emergence of a new geopolitical bloc.
In the realm of cybersecurity and technology, reactions have been particularly strong. The United Kingdom’s decision to remove Huawei’s 5G equipment from its telecommunications infrastructure (Gov.uk (Press Release), 2022) reflects broader fears about cybersecurity risks and economic dependencies associated with Chinese technology. This move, supported by statements from US officials, highlights a growing consensus among Western nations about the need to secure their technological infrastructures from potential foreign interference.
In summary, the international community’s response to China’s national defence strategy is characterized by a mix of strategic realignments, heightened collaborations, and a revaluation of economic and military policies, reflecting a complex global landscape shaped by evolving security dynamics and geopolitical shifts.
5. Conclusion
Throughout this analysis, we have had the insights into China’s strategic ambitions and the underlying principles, shaping its approach to national security and global military posture. The document, released in 2019, provides a window into China’s defence outlook and strategic planning amid evolving geopolitical challenges, reflecting a commitment to modernize its military capabilities while asserting its stance on sovereignty and global security governance. It underscores China’s aim for peaceful development, balanced with the readiness to defend its interests against perceived threats, highlighting the delicate balancing act between advancement and aggression.
The implications of China’s strategic endeavours, both regionally and globally, have elicited varied responses from the international community, with neighbouring countries and global powers alike reassessing their security postures and diplomatic strategies. As China continues to navigate its path towards military modernization and broader strategic objectives, the discourse around its national defence strategy remains a critical component of understanding the future landscape of global security.
These discussions not only spotlight the complexities of contemporary geopolitics but also prompt a broader contemplation of how nations pursue security and development in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world. Through this lens, China’s defence strategy, articulated in the document, represents an essential dialogue with the world about its intentions, aspirations, and the envisioned role on the global stage, setting the foundation for future engagements in the realm of international relations and military strategy.
6. References
- Center for a New American Security. (2019). Major themes in China’s 2019 national defense white paper. Retrieved from Center for a New American Security: https://www.cnas.org/publications/reports/major-themes-in-chinas-2019-national-defense-white-paper
- ChinaPower Project. (2019). 2019 Defense White Paper: China’s national defense in the new era. Retrieved from Center for Strategic and International Studies: https://chinapower.csis.org/data/2019-defense-white-paper-chinas-national-defense-in-the-new-era/
- Cordesman, A. H. (2019, July 24). China’s New 2019 Defense White Paper. Retrieved from Centre For Strategic And International Studies: https://www.csis.org/analysis/chinas-new-2019-defense-white-paper
- (2022, October 28). 2022 National Defense Strategy: Implications for China and the Indo-Pacific. Retrieved from Centre For Strategic And International Studies: https://www.csis.org/analysis/2022-national-defense-strategy-implications-china-and-indo-pacific
- uk (Press Release). (2022). Huawei legal notices issued. London: Gov.uk.
- Honrada, G. (2024, June 14). China’s global military base strategy taking shape. Retrieved from Asiatimes: https://asiatimes.com/2024/06/chinas-global-military-base-strategy-taking-shape/
- Hui, L. (2019, July 24). China’s National Defense in the New Era. Retrieved from Xinhuanet: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-07/24/c_138253389.htm
- Lowsen, B. (2019). China’s new defense white paper: Reading between the lines. The Diplomat, 1. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2019/07/chinas-new-defense-white-paper-reading-between-the-lines/
- Siangco, J. (2019). China’s Military Modernization. Retrieved from The National Bureau Of Asian Research: https://www.nbr.org/program/chinas-military-modernization-implications-for-regional-security/