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Military
Doctrine
The doctrinal literature of the PLA simply do not express an
interest in contesting the regional security order. This is derived
from 2 aspects of Sino-military doctrine : the internal defence
missions of the PLA; and the external defence contingencies35.
Internal
Defence. The PLA periodically had played a
crucial role in maintaining China’s domestic stability, and
ultimately the rule of the CCP. The 1989 Tiananmen incident is one of
these examples. The basic function of the Army as listed from a
article from the PLA General Political Department Mass Work Section
are to safe-guard the country’s stability; defend state sovereignty
and security; and offer a fine, stable environment for reform and
construction.
External Defence.
China is the third largest country in the world,
has a land boundaries of 22,143 km, a coastline of 14,500 km
and shared boundaries with 17 other countries36.
The long borders and the variety of neighbours highlight China’s
security dilemma. Current PLA military doctrine reflects that
China’s immediate concerns are located near it’s frontiers.
The PLA is emphasising the creation of highly mobile, elite
units which can be deployed at potential flash points along it’s
vast borders. However, it is also noted that the PLA’s doctrine of
“active defence” does not call for procurement of long-range
weapons and the capability of performing global operations, but
instead depends on it’s conventional capability to keep China’s
territory intact. |