People's Republic of China: Military and Security Developments 2011 Annual Report to Congress, People's Liberation Army (PLA), Space, Cyber Capabilities, Technology, Force Modernization

This important DOD report from 2011 provides extensive details on the status of the Chinese military. Contents include: China's Challenges and Opportunities * Developments in China's National Security Leadership * Developments in the Security Situation in the Taiwan Strait * Developments in the Size, Location, and Capabilities of PRC Military Forces * Developments in China's Space and Cyber Capabilities * Developments in China's Defense Technology Acquisition * Challenges to Taiwan's Deterrent Forces * China's Foreign Military Engagement * Understanding China's Strategy Overview * Understanding Chinese Strategy * China's Strategic Priorities * The New Historic Missions * Debates on Future Strategy * China's Military Strategy * Secrecy and Deception * Force Modernization Goals and Trends Overview * Anti-Access/Area Denial Capability Developments * Ballistic Missile Defense * Extended Operational Reach * Strategic Capabilities * Power Projection Beyond Taiwan * Resources for Force Modernization Overview * Military Expenditure Trends * China's Advancing Defense Industries * Trends and Projections * Force Modernization and Security in the Taiwan Strait Overview * Beijing's Taiwan Strategy * Beijing's Courses of Action Against Taiwan * U.S.-China Military-To-Military Contacts Overview * Military Relations * U.S. Strategy for Military Engagement * Opportunities and Challenges in U.S.-China Military-To-Military Relations * Special Topic: China's Evolving Maritime Strategy * The Rise of China's Maritime Security Interests * The Evolution in "Maritime Consciousness" * Evolving Naval Strategy * New Security Interests Driving Requirements * New "Firsts" for the PLA Navy * China's Maritime Interests * Sea Lane Protection * Great Power Status * Sea-Based Nuclear Forces * Overcoming Key Challenges * Assessing the Future Special Topic: China's Military Engagement * Traditional Military Diplomacy * Combined Exercises * Peacekeeping Operations * Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief * Arms Sales.

This report states: China's rise as a major international actor is likely to stand out as a defining feature of the strategic landscape of the early 21st century. Sustained economic development has raised the standard of living for China's citizens and elevated China's international profile. This development, coupled with an expanding science and technology base, has also facilitated a comprehensive and ongoing military modernization program. The United States welcomes a strong, prosperous, and successful China that reinforces international rules and norms and enhances security and peace both regionally and globally. China is steadily assuming new roles and responsibilities in the international community. In 2004, Chinese President Hu Jintao articulated new guidance for the People's Liberation Army (PLA), including missions extending beyond China's immediate territorial interests. This catalyzed China's growing involvement in international peacekeeping efforts, counter-piracy operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and the evacuation of Chinese citizens from overseas trouble spots. China's 2010 Defense White Paper asserts that China's "future and destiny have never been more closely connected with those of the international community." Nonetheless, China's modernized military could be put to use in ways that increase China's ability to gain diplomatic advantage or resolve disputes in its favor.

These reports on military and security developments involving the People’s Republic of China address the current and probable future course of military-technological development of the People’s Liberation Army and the tenets and probable development of Chinese security strategy and military strategy, and of the military organizations and operational concepts.