Chinese Military Transparency: Evaluating the 2010 Defense White Paper

Authors

Phillip C. Saunders, Center for Strategic Research and Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University
Ross Rustici, Center for Strategic Research, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University

Files

Description

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) State Council Information Office released the seventh edition of its biennial defense white paper, “China’s National Defense in 2010,” on March 31, 2011. This document aims to communicate the latest information on China’s military development, strategy, capabilities, and intentions. China began publishing defense white papers in 1998, partly as a means of increasing transparency in response to regional concerns about the growing capabilities and actions of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Despite the systematic release of these documents, many of China’s neighbors and other regional powers continue to express concerns about China’s lack of military transparency. The Chinese maintain that they are becoming more open over time and highlight the importance of transparency about strategic intentions rather than capabilities.

Document Type

Policy Brief

Publication Date

7-2011

Publication

Strategic Forum

Publisher

National Defense University Press

City

Washington, DC

Recommended Citation

Saunders, Phillip C. and Rustici, Ross, "Chinese Military Transparency: Evaluating the 2010 Defense White Paper" (2011). Strategic Forums. 69.
https://digitalcommons.ndu.edu/strategic-forums/69