|
|
|
|
Journal of Military and Strategic Studies
Journal of Military and Strategic Studies
Chinese Strategic Power: Myths, Intent And Projections
Ralph Sawyer, The Centre for Military and Strategic Studies, University of Calgary
Abstract
The PRC is changing with incredible velocity, rendering many of the numerous books and analytic papers produced over the last decade virtually obsolete even as they are published. To simply catch a glimpse of China’s soul it is necessary to read extensive PRC and PLA websites, numerous government pronouncements and independent reports, a sheaf of academic and technical journals, and a variety of Chinese newspapers on a daily basis. Nevertheless, explaining its explosive growth and analyzing its strategic intentions has become an overpopulated, highly competitive, even acerbic industry, with pundits of every description pontificating upon the immediate and longterm future. Many without any inkling of China's history, topography, or civilization not to mention cognizance of the Chinese language and its characters readily offer pronouncements based upon theoretical constructs and inherent prejudices.