Chinese Military

Questions remain over how the Scarborough Shoal standoff will finally be resolved. But recent events should have reassured China’s leaders that hard power isn’t always necessary.

The renewed U.S. interest in the Asia-Pacific gives Taiwan a perfect chance to bolster ties and its own security. But will it seize the moment?

With the U.S. presidential election fast approaching, it’s worth asking how successful one of the biggest Obama administration foreign policy drives has been. It’s a mixed bag.

Despite claims to the contrary, China’s policy in the near seas today bears scant resemblance to the Monroe Doctrine. But its application still holds lessons for China.

China’s development of A2/AD capabilities is much discussed. An AirSeaCyber response may be needed.

Despite claims of aggressive intent, comments by a top Chinese general suggest a more diplomatic mindset.

China poses challenges to the U.S. But publicly labeling it a competitor might only help fan tensions.

China has increasingly focused on its anti-access capabilities. More openness over intentions would be better.

The Scarborough Shoal between the Philippines and China is still rumbling on. Can Manila come out on top?

The latest version of the Pentagon’s report on China’s military rise was disappointing. There’s plenty that has been missed out.

China doesn’t want a military conflict over the Scarborough Shoal. A clash now would only unite ASEAN.

China isn’t looking for conflict in the South China Sea. Indeed, it already seems to be moderating its language over it its spat with the Philippines.

The first Gulf War had a significant impact on the thinking of Chinese planners. And their anti-access strategy.

A number of prominent Vietnamese break new ground in backing the Philippines in the Scarborough Shoal row.

The idea that the U.S. can stand still as China rises is misplaced. Washington needs to show it can scramble.

The PLA’s strategic strike force leaders will be transitioning during the 18th Party Congress. What will it mean?

Taiwan Strait contingencies and expanding army special forces feature in the U.S. report on China’s military.

China’s combination of fishing boats, unarmed law-enforcement ships, and military power allows Beijing to act as a provocateur – and to use small stick diplomacy.

The Pentagon’s latest report on China’s military had few surprises. But it still had some useful insights.

Is the spat between China and the Philippines over Scarborough Shoal a sign of what’s to come in the region?

The U.S. risks making a serious strategic error if it neglects Russia. As the White House and Pentagon look to the Pacific, Moscow and China are making moves of their own.

The Philippines is hopelessly mismatched against China in pure military terms. But there are historical reasons why it won’t back down in the South China Sea.

Most talk of China’s missiles focuses on the DF-21D. But the DH-10 cruise missile offers China another option.

Despite a series of diplomatic challenges, relations between the U.S. and China have remained productive. Personal diplomacy is paying dividends.