After years of political, social and economic chaos under Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping set a new course for China, determined to build the economy first and the military later. He sought a low-key foreign policy where China would not take the lead in world affairs and the nation would “bide time, hide capabilities”. Almost 30 years later, China has emerged as an economic power and is slowly becoming more assertive militarily. However, broad questions remain about the Chinese military’s capabilities, doctrine and intentions as it evolves into a more technically advanced force.

China’s military has received a technological upgrade paid for by double-digit budget increases over the past 20 years. This has enabled the People’s Liberation Army to increase its access to technology, both by importing high-tech equipment and weapons platforms and by recruiting more technically adept soldiers. This represents a significant shift from a largely illiterate peasant army that practised a “people’s war” doctrine, where generals were confident the PLA had more soldiers than the enemy had bullets.