Patterns in China’s Use of Force

China is emerging as a major global and regional player that will impact U.S. foreign policy well into the 21st century. A better understanding of China's interests as well as economic and military capabilities will assist in crisis prevention and war avoidance. This study examines the characteristic ways in which China might use force to protect or advance its interests. It looks at the record of Chinese use of force during the past 50 years, as well as at Chinese doctrinal writings concerning future conflict to understand what particular characteristics future Chinese uses of force might be expected to display. This research was conducted within the Strategy and Doctrine Program of Project AIR FORCE, as part of a larger project entitled "Chinese Defense Modernization and the USAF," under the sponsor- ship of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Air and Space Operations (AFIXO), and the Commander, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF/CC). Comments are welcomed and may be addressed to the project leader, Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad, or to the authors.