Chinese Military Modernization under Xi Jinping Regime: Military Security Implications for Us

Abstract

China’s military is modernizing under Xi Jinping which has adverse effects on the security of the US. To justify this assumption, the study explains the modernization of China’s military and links it with the security of the US. In most of this military modernization and security connection work, many scholars have put efforts to connect China’s changing military with the security dilemma for the US. The study first explains the concept of China’s military modernization, its goals, strategies and working of People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Next, it explains the reasons behind the modernization and links the security situation between the two powers through comparative analysis of militaries of both the great powers. Further, the analyzation of Chinese and US military relations explains the security dilemma between the two great powers. The results are mostly in favor of China as it is increasing its military capabilities mainly navy, air force, army and space. With China’s military reaching parity with US armies, it may be more difficult for the US to deter the assertiveness of China till the mid of this century. The defensive realists best explain this security situation as China is modernizing to enhance its powers and compete with US in the coming future mainly in military. This thesis comes with the future recommendation for having a broad knowledge about the military relations between China and US and finds more ways for China’s military to increase its capabilities. In sum, Chinese military is improving its position in the world to compete the US military and is having some negative impacts on the security of the US in the coming future.