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.
In recent years, Beijing has ramped up its military diplomacy to advance its foreign policy objectives. This push has increased China’s participation in military exercises and resulted in Chinese naval vessels calling at ports around the world. Learn more about China’s military diplomacy with this ChinaPower exclusive.
The entry of China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, attracts considerable attention from both the press and military observers around the world. It represents China’s global power for some, and a significant step towards a more assertive Chinese navy for others.
5 years after commissioning the Liaoning, China launched its second aircraft carrier – the Type 001A – on April 26, 2017. This ship features some notable enhancements over the Liaoning, and represents an important step in China’s developing aircraft carrier program.
ChinaPower hosted its inaugural conference on November 29, 2016. The conference featured Senator Dan Sullivan as the keynote speaker.
Maritime disputes in the South China Sea present an array of potential flashpoints between countries. China in particular has actively employed its coast guard and other maritime law enforcement agencies to project power and assert sovereignty throughout the region.
Although both China and Taiwan maintain separate militaries and governments, China continues to assert sovereignty claims over Taiwan. Beijing officially seeks peaceful reunification, but has not ruled out using force to counter efforts to create an independent Taiwan.
A superpower is distinguished by its power projection abilities. Spurred by economic growth and expanding regional security interests, China has embarked on a large-scale modernization of its military, but it remains unclear if China is yet a global superpower.
China has been steadily developing ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) to complement its nuclear deterrence strategy and safeguard its national security. Despite considerable progress, China still faces a number of hurdles in fielding a credible SSBN force.
