Khaki and Commerce: The Military Implications of China`s Trade Ambitions

Abstract

China`s outreach to the global market has increased its exposure to various traditional and non-traditional threats. These new challenges have triggered a fundamental revision of China`s strategy concerning its security interests and objectives abroad. There is more support at home for actively protecting China`s overseas interests. As a result, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) has also started to redefine the tasks of its military in a way that will allow the latter to gradually complement the country`s conservative continental strategies with more emphasis on long-range power projection. This shift requires the West to prepare for proactive and assertive Chinese posture toward flashpoints worldwide. Yet Beijing`s persistent vulnerability will compel it to refrain from aggressive military unilateralism and to give priority to a collective approach.