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.
Decades of economic growth coupled with its ongoing military modernization have enabled China to emerge as a major player in the global arms trade. Between 2008 and 2017, China exported some $14.4 billion worth of conventional weapons across the globe, making it the 5th largest arms supplier in the world.
ChinaPower hosted its second annual conference on November 14, 2017. The conference featured Senator John Cornyn as the keynote speaker.
The Chengdu J-20 marks the first entry of a multirole stealth fighter into China’s armed forces. The J-20 has the potential to provide China with a variety of previously unavailable air combat options and enhance its capability to project power.
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.
Seven years after the Liaoning entered service into the Chinese navy, China commissioned its second aircraft carrier, the Shandong, on December 17, 2019. This ship features 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.
