2014 Defense Department China Military and Security Report: People's Liberation Army (PLA), Space and Missiles, Force Modernization, Technology, Taiwan, Air Defenses, First Aircraft Carrier

This important DOD report from June 2014 provides extensive details on the status of the Chinese military. In addition to the new 2014 report, this unique ebook compilation includes eight other DOD annual reports for the years 2006 through 2013. 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.

The executive summary of the 2014 report states:

Preparing for potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait, which includes deterring or defeating third-party intervention, remains the focus and primary driver of China's military investment. However, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) also is placing emphasis on preparing for contingencies other than Taiwan, including potential contingencies in the South and East China Seas. The October 2013 MANEUVER-5 exercise in the Philippine Sea, which included participation from all three PLA navy fleets - the North Sea Fleet, the East Sea Fleet, and the South Sea Fleet — was the largest PLA Navy open-ocean exercise seen to date. Additionally, China conducted the three-part MISSION ACTION series of joint military exercises over a six week period during September and October. These exercises combined PLA ground, navy and air forces in large-scale maneuvers along China's southern and southeastern coasts. As China's interests, capabilities, and international influence have grown, its military modernization program has also become increasingly focused on military investments for a range of missions beyond China's coast, including sea lane security, counterpiracy, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR).

Chapter 1: Annual Update * Chapter 2: Understanding China's Strategy * Chapter 3: Force Modernization Goals and Trends * Chapter 4: Resources for Force Modernization * Chapter 5: Force Modernization for a Taiwan Contingency * Chapter 6: U.S.-China Military-to-Military Contacts * Special Topic: Reconnaissance Satellites * Special Topic: China's Use of Low-Observable Technology * Special Topic: China's First Aircraft Carrier * Special Topic: Integrated Air Defenses