Military Purchases from Russia and China's Strategic Modernization: A relative Evaluation, Implications and Future Options for the United States

摘要

The Chinese military is in the process of a long-term strategic modernization program. Uniformed and civilian leaders in Beijing have studied recent conflicts, to include the United States' participation in the Gulf War and it's most recent operation in Kosovo. These studies have analyzed comparative Chinese shortfalls, and identified improvements that must be made in their forces doctrine. The Chinese military leadership is well aware of the gap in modern military capabilities that exist between the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) and modern, late 20th century militaries, most notably the U.S. armed forces. The majority of foreign analysis concerning the existing and potential Chinese military threat emphasize recent equipment purchases from Russia and the trends these purchases portend. This study reviews and analyzes those acquisitions in relation to Chinese strategic modernization, draws overall conclusions and then looks at broader implications and options for the United States. The implications of this study argues that 'containing' China is not a viable option for the United States.