Within Tibet and Xinjiang, China is constructing and upgrading dozens of airports and heliports—a large majority of which are military or dual-use facilities. China is supplementing its airpower expansion with new ground infrastructure that is upgrading the PLA’s ability to move troops, weaponry, and supplies.
Military
Fueled by decades of rapid economic growth and a desire to further its security interests, China has embarked on a large-scale modernization of its military. President Xi Jinping has instituted extensive military reforms aimed at streamlining command structures and improving Chinese military strength. China now boasts a robust navy with a burgeoning aircraft carrier program and one of the largest air forces in the world. To learn more about China’s military power, explore our featured content below.
China’s Power: Up for Debate 2021
China Power will host its sixth annual conference as a series of keynote remarks and five virtual debates, featuring leading experts from both China and the United States to debate core issues underpinning the development of Chinese power.
How Developed Is China’s Arms Industry?
China is the world’s second largest arms producer, but the ability of its arms industry to domestically develop certain advanced weapon systems is still growing. If China can successfully strengthen its defense industry, it can reduce its reliance on foreign technologies and establish itself as a global leader in cutting-edge military capabilities.
China’s Power: Up for Debate 2020
The challenges and opportunities presented by China’s rise are hotly contested. China Power will host its fifth annual conference as a series of five live debates, featuring leading experts from both China and the U.S. to debate core issues underpinning the development of Chinese power.
How Are China’s Land-based Conventional Missile Forces Evolving?
As part of sweeping efforts to modernize the People’s Liberation Army, China has developed the world’s largest and most diverse arsenal of land-based conventional missiles. Learn how China’s missile forces are evolving and how they are affecting the Indo-Pacific security landscape in our exclusive feature.
China’s Power: Up for Debate 2019
ChinaPower hosted its fourth annual conference on December 4, 2019. The conference featured a keynote by Senator David Perdue and a postponed speech by Assistant Secretary of State David. R. Stilwell.
How is China Modernizing its Nuclear Forces?
China is one of only nine countries that possess nuclear weapons. Although its nuclear arsenal is small relative to those of the United States and Russia, China is currently expanding and modernizing its nuclear forces. As China faces evolving security challenges, Beijing may also revise its primarily defensive nuclear strategy.
Tracking China’s Third Aircraft Carrier
China is making steady progress in constructing what is believed to be its third aircraft carrier. Commercial satellite imagery collected on August 18, 2020, shows significant developments in the construction of the vessel and additional improvements to the infrastructure at Jiangnan Shipyard.