Open AccessMilitary Modernization and Peaceful Rising: A Harmonious Transition of the PLA into the Future
Author(s) -
Xiaobing Li
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
peace and conflict studies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.116
H-Index - 6
ISSN - 1082-7307
DOI - 10.46743/1082-7307/2009.1105
Subject(s) - modernization theory , politics , political science , harmonious society , transition (genetics) , political economy , revolution in military affairs , military science , china , sociology , law , biochemistry , chemistry , gene
This article seeks to elucidate the recent changes to the Chinese military by examining the new characteristics of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its newly adopted approaches for modernization between 2003 and 2008. It includes diachronic discussions to explore various social and political factors for the changes, domestic and international constraints on the implementation of military modernization, and the outcomes of these endeavors. The main findings indicate that the Chinese military has changed its main feature as two important transitions have emerged: first, the PLA has been transformed from a manpower intensive army to a technology oriented force; and second, from a national security army to an internationally operated force. Consequently, the high command begins to consider the PLA as a part of the global military cooperation.