Publication

This paper looks at the China's 2010 Defense White Paper. Like its predecessor, the paper leaves much unsaid, especially about China’s maritime aspirations beyond its immediate waters. In contrast, the equivalent American document sets out a consistent picture of American aspirations, strategy and capability. By comparing the Chinese military budget with those of the US and its allies, it is clear that China is unlikely to be a peer competitor on the wider stage any time soon, the authors argue.