The Chinese Army Today by Dennis J Blasko

The Chinese Army Today by Dennis J Blasko

The Chinese Army Today is a completely unique and comprehensive study of all elements of the Chinese military, focusing on its ground forces to a degree not found in any other contemporary works.

In 1999, the military modernization program of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army that had been underway for twenty years increased in intensity and achieved a focus not seen in the previous two decades. Based primarily on actual Chinese sources, this book details the changes implemented since 1999 and puts them in the context of the many traditions that still remain.

Written by a retired professional military officer who has served in China, this book presents the reader with the key developments since 1999. Its discussion on training and doctrine provides a level of detail not found in other works, but is essential to understanding the progress made in China’s military modernization and the obstacles yet to be overcome. The author uses first-hand observation of the Chinese military and three decades of military experience to weave many disparate threads from official Chinese statements, documents, and media reports into an integrated whole.

This text defines exactly what forces make up the People’s Liberation Army and examines in detail ground force organization and structure, personnel policies, doctrine and training, new equipment entering the force, and missions routinely undertaken in support of society.

This is an essential book for all students and scholars of China and Asia, political science and international relations and of contemporary military affairs and strategic studies.

'Dennis Blasko has written the definitive study of China’s ground forces, but this book also illuminates many other aspects of China’s military todayThe author brings to this assessment a career worth of knowledge and experience in the U.S. Army, as a specialist on the Chinese military. Few, if any, know the Chinese army better than Blasko. His judgements are careful and nuanced, his research and sources are thorough, and his presentation is comprehensive—all necessary correctives to the frequent media hype on the subject. A ‘must read’ for anyone seeking to understand the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and its impact on Asian security and U.S. national security interests.' - David Shambaugh, George Washington University, USA 

'Probably the most complete, best referenced and most accurate analysis available of the ground forces of the PLA … It should be part of the library of any scholar or analyst of the Chinese military.’ – The China Journal

'Blasko's book is an authoritative primer on the PLA for national security professionals. His background as an Army intelligence officer and China foreign area officer, and his intimate knowledge of primary sources enable him to provide thoughtful analysis. His book should be on every PACOM officer's 'must read' list.' - Military Review

‘This is an excellent introduction to the PLA and can serve as a starting point for

any scholar interested in China’s modern military. It will also be an excellent tool for

orienting professionals who may be working in the area. ..The

Chinese Army Today makes a valuable contribution to the challenging area of PLA

studies.’ Jerremie Clyde, Journal of Military and Strategic Studies

 

Dennis J. Blasko is an Independent Analyst and former Senior Military Fellow, National Defense University and former Military Attaché in Beijing, China and Hong Kong.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780415770033
ISBN 10	0415770033
Title	The Chinese Army Today
Author	Dennis J Blasko
Series	Asian Security Studies
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Routledge
Year published	2005-12-14
Number of pages	256
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.