East Asia and Australasia

摘要

The agenda of China's military establishment in 2008 was dominated by domestic priorities: the military was mobilised to deal with natural disasters, safe guard the Olympic Games and assist in containing internal unrest. By contrast, the country encountered few pressing external security challenges. But with its gaze fixed on the long-term horizon, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) continues to pursue a vigorous force-modernisation programme supported by rising budgets and access to advanced indigenous and foreign arms.