Key facts
- China's military objective is to be on par with the United States.
- This goal is linked to China's aspiration for national rejuvenation.
- The aim is to deter potential adversaries.
- Modernizing the military is a long-term project for China.
Zhou Bo, a retired colonel from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and a senior fellow at the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University, stated that China's military objective is to stand "neck and neck" with the United States. He explained that this ambition is deeply intertwined with China's broader goal of national rejuvenation.
According to Zhou, China's military modernization efforts are not merely about building a stronger defense but also about deterring potential adversaries and ensuring the nation's security and influence on the global stage. He characterized this pursuit as a long-term endeavor, emphasizing that achieving parity with a military power like the US requires sustained investment and strategic development.