James A. LEWIS
Sailors from the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). PHOTO BY JOAN LEBOLD COHEN.
China’s intentions in modernizing its military are largely unclear to the outside world, but many experts believe that China wants to build forces that are superior to those of its regional peers, that create the option for quick action against Taiwan if necessary, and that are ultimately capable of defeating U.S. forces in a regional conflict.
China’s
