In this episode, Greg Levesque joins us to discuss China’s Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) program. Mr. Levesque explains the central role of MCF in the Chinese Communist Party’s strategy to make China a world-class military power by 2049, and details the steps Beijing has taken thus far in integrating the military and civil sectors. He also highlights some of the challenges that China faces in its efforts to implement MCF. Finally, Mr. Levesque describes how MCF may pose a threat to US interests and offers recommendations for how the US and its allies can effectively respond.
Keyword:military modernization
China’s Military Ambitions in Space: A Conversation with Todd Harrison and Kaitlyn Johnson
In this episode, Todd Harrison and Kaitlyn Johnson join us to discuss China’s military capabilities and ambitions in space. They discuss China’s military space doctrine and achievements over the last two decades, especially focusing on its counterspace weapon systems. They also address the Wolf Amendment, which forbids NASA and the China National Space Administration from any bilateral cooperation, and how it will affect future US-China cooperation in space.
China’s Nuclear Strategy and Capabilities: A Conversation with Hans Kristensen
In this episode, Dr. Hans Kristensen joins us to discuss China’s nuclear policy, nuclear weapons capabilities, and nuclear doctrine. Dr. Kristensen assesses the significance of Beijing’s no-first-use policy and compares China’s nuclear arsenal with those of other major powers. He also explains potential factors that may lead China to increase its nuclear arsenal and alter its current nuclear strategy in the future.
UAV Technology in China: A Conversation with Tate Nurkin
In this episode, Mr. Tate Nurkin joins us to discuss the latest developments in China’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry. Mr. Nurkin explains and analyzes the integration of China’s expanding drone technologies into its military capabilities. He also highlights the impact of Chinese UAV companies on international and domestic commercial markets, as well as how China’s UAV exports and capabilities are viewed by US policymakers.
The PLA Navy’s Growing Prowess: A Conversation with Andrew Erickson
In this episode, Andrew Erickson joins us to discuss China’s recent efforts to modernize its navy and expand its naval fleet. He assesses China’s current naval capabilities relative to other countries and examines the future prospects of China’s naval modernization. He also touches on China’s commercial and military shipbuilding activities in addition to the evolution of China’s aircraft carrier program and its future trajectory.
What does China really spend on its military?
China’s military budget provides insight into its expanding military capabilities. In terms of gauging relative military strength, defense budgets can be compared between countries and over a set period of time to assess overall trends.
How dominant is China in the global arms trade?
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.
How does China’s first aircraft carrier stack up?
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.