PLA

Defense spending in Asia is up in absolute terms but there many other factors to consider.

New appointments to the Central Military Commission suggest more influence for China’s Air Force – or not.

Much has been made of the missile dubbed “the carrier killer.” Can it be countered?

In the coming weeks, analysts around the globe will make their predictions regarding China’s presumed next leader. The task won’t be easy.

While made popular by recent analysis of China’s military, anti-access has deep routes in history.

While many have feared its rise, a weaker China struggling with economic and political challenges at home may present an even greater challenge.

With Beijing spending massive amounts of money on its rail network, corruption has seeped in. Could the PLA suffer the same fate?

From internal security, national defense and the expansion of strategic interests across the globe – is China’s military overstretched?

Japan is at a disadvantage in the Senkakus despite the Self-Defense Forces’ superior quality.

Is China’s new carrier a step towards a true blue-water navy?

While high-tech weapons may get all the attention, the organizational aspects of any military are important. China is no exception.

China’s development and use of naval and non-naval, non-military sea power has become a cause for concern – one that could alter the regional balance.

China’s Rope-a-Dope Strategy: Don’t expect the PLA to pit strength against strength until it has to.

U.S. commanders should be narrow-minded when plotting a Pacific offensive (in geospatial terms, anyway).

“PLA anti-access defenses cannot hoist an impenetrable shield over the Western Pacific…”

The Naval Diplomat explores in a five-part series how events in such a conflict could unfold.

Beijing has long interwoven strands of victimization and self-righteousness into Chinese nationalism, which have made compromise more difficult.

Is the PLA gaining political influence or is the civilian leadership looking more to the military for answers?

“While the risk of conflict with China cannot be ignored, neither should it be exaggerated.”

Reports indicate China is developing a long-range sea-based cruise missile. Could China have its own ‘Tomahawk’?

Why Washington’s ‘pivot’ to Asia is contingent on making necessary investments in defense.

“Top Secret” Chinese military documents seem to reaffirm widely held views on Beijing’s nuclear forces – or does it?

The rumored J-21 “Snowy Owl” would be China’s second stealth aircraft project, along with the J-20.

Jim Holmes asks for your help to name China’s newest weapon of war.