The contributions contained herein address the role of the Chinese military in shaping its country's security environment. Of course, the PLA itself is shaped and molded by both domestic and foreign influences. In the first decade of the 21st century, the PLA is not a central actor in China's foreign policy the way it was just a few decades ago. Nevertheless, the significance of the PLA must be understood. The military remains a player that seeks to play a role and influence China's policy towards such countries and regions as the United States, Japan, the Koreas, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and of course, Taiwan. It is important not to overlook that, in times of crisis or conflict, the role and influence of the PLA rise significantly.

"October 2006."

Introduction -- pt. 1. What's shaping the PLA? -- Changing the landscape of civil-military relations in China : the PLA responds to recruiting and retention challenges / Frank Miller -- China's military buildup : beyond Taiwan? / Ellis Joffe -- pt. 2. War and defense modernization -- Assessing America at war : implications for China's military modernization and national security / Susan M. Puska -- War control : Chinese concepts of escalation management / Lonnie D. Henley -- China as a major Asian power : the implications of its military modernization (a view form the United States) / Paul H. B. Godwin -- pt. 3. Northeast Asia -- How the PLA sees North Korea / John J. Tkacik Jr. -- The PLA, Japan's defense posture, and the outlook for China-Japan relations / Robert G. Sutter -- pt. 4. South and Southeast Asia -- The Chinese military eyes south Asia / Srikanth Kondapalli -- China and Southeast Asia : building influence, addressing fears / Larry M. Wortzel.