2017中国军力报告（英文版）-3mb

2017 Annual Report on Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China

Core Content

This report provides an overview of China's military and security developments in 2016, with a focus on organizational reforms, strategic goals, and its assertive actions in territorial disputes. It also outlines U.S.-China military engagement and the implications for regional security.

Main Points and Key Information

Military and Security Developments

• Organizational Reforms: China implemented significant military reforms in 2016 as part of its long-term modernization program. These reforms aim to enhance the PLA's ability to conduct joint operations and improve its readiness for regional conflicts.

• Structure Changes:

  • Theater Commands: Five new regional theater commands were established (Eastern, Southern, Western, Northern, and Central), replacing the old seven military regions.
  • Joint Staff Department (JSD): The PLA reorganized its four general departments into 15 functional departments, with the JSD playing a central role in streamlining command and control (C2).
  • Strategic Support Force (SSF): This force was developed to unify space, cyber, and electronic warfare capabilities.
  • Joint Operations Command Center: A new center was established to coordinate strategic operations, with President Xi Jinping as its "commander-in-chief."
  • Overseas Operations Office (OOO): This office is responsible for directing policy and coordinating non-war actions by Chinese forces abroad.
  • Joint Logistics Support Force: This new force was established to improve resource allocation and support PLA operations.

• Force Reductions: The PLA began demobilizing 300,000 personnel by the end of 2017, focusing on non-combat roles. This led to protests from veterans over perceived insufficient benefits.

• Military Exercises: The PLA conducted several large-scale, complex joint exercises, including STRIDE and FIREPOWER. These exercises emphasized joint operations, long-distance mobility, and the integration of air and ground forces.

• Anticorruption Efforts: The CCP continued its anticorruption campaign within the military, targeting high-ranking officials and improving governance and discipline.

Territorial and Maritime Disputes

• South China Sea:

  • China constructed airfields and infrastructure on Spratly Islands, enhancing its military presence.
  • The 2016 tribunal ruling in favor of the Philippines on the interpretation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) challenged China's "nine-dash line" claims.
  • China rejected the ruling and emphasized "historic rights" in the South China Sea, although the legal basis for these claims remains unclear.
  • The U.S. formally protested China's maritime claims through diplomatic channels.

• East China Sea:

  • China continued to patrol near the Senkaku Islands, challenging Japan's claim.
  • Tensions escalated with increased Chinese maritime presence, prompting Japan to respond with more coast guard ships.

• China-India Border:

  • Tensions persisted along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), with both sides conducting flag-officer level meetings to maintain peace.

U.S.-China Military Engagement

• Military-to-Military Contacts: The U.S. continues to engage with China through military exchanges and cooperation, aiming to manage risks and promote transparency.
• Strategic Focus: The U.S. strategy includes monitoring China's military modernization and adapting its own forces to ensure the ability to defend its interests and maintain regional stability.

Overseas Military Basing

• Djibouti Base: China began constructing a military base in Djibouti, which is expected to be completed within the year. This base is intended to support peacekeeping, escort missions, and humanitarian operations.
• Future Bases: China may seek to establish additional bases in countries with friendly relations and strategic interests, such as Pakistan.

Summary of Strategic Goals

• Modernization Goals: China aims to build a modern, capable military force by 2020, focusing on joint operations, informatized warfare, and the ability to project power beyond its borders.
• Security Strategy: China's security strategy emphasizes the importance of maritime domains, space, and cyber capabilities, as well as the need to deter external intervention and protect its interests.
• Force Development: The PLA is enhancing its expeditionary and long-range strike capabilities, supported by training and new organizational structures.

Conclusion

The 2016 military and security developments reflect China's continued efforts to modernize and assert its strategic interests. The U.S. remains vigilant and engaged, adapting its strategy to counter potential threats and maintain regional stability.