Measuring China's Military Might

In the debate over future U.S. defence spending, including deliberations taking place in the current Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR), a key issue is how much emphasis to place on programs for countering improved Chinese military forces in coming years. China's naval modernisation effort encompasses a broad array of weapon acquisition programs, including programs for anti-ship ballistic missiles (ASBMs), anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs), land-attack cruise missiles (LACMs), surface-to-air missiles, mines, aircraft, submarines, destroyers and frigates, patrol craft, and amphibious ships. This book focuses on the potential implications of China's naval modernisation for future required U.S. Navy capabilities. Moreover, China's new phase of military development is discussed, by articulating roles and missions for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) that go beyond China's immediate territorial interests. This book consists of public documents which have been located, gathered, combined, reformatted, and enhanced with a subject index, selectively edited and bound to provide easy access.