Attacking the Empty: People's Republic of China Foreign-Missile Technology Acquisition and Implications on Future Technology Bans

摘要

The People's Republic of China (PRC) has improved its surface-to- surface missile capabilities over the last decade by acquiring foreign missile technology. Despite bans on the importation of missile-related items, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has integrated foreign technology into existing missile systems. The PLA has gained a military advantage over Taiwan and the United States due to a lack of missile defense systems to counter missile attacks. In the coming decade, the application of precision will further enhance missile capabilities. By understanding the impact of technology integration, the central question is whether a future ban on precision technology will affect the PLA s missile capabilities. By analyzing the PLA s advanced missile programs, an assessment is made on what these programs will be used for and what precision- related items these programs require. Second, an analysis is made on what precision subsystems these programs lack and will likely be sought. Third, an assessment is made regarding the PRC s missile capabilities against current and future missile defenses developed by the United States and Taiwan. In conclusion, a missile gap exists that favors the PRC; however, precision technology is required to maintain this advantage and a future ban on certain technology would close this gap.