China’s foreign, security and defence policy in a 10-20-year perspective

Authors:

  • Jerker Hellström

Publish date: 2009-12-31

Report number: FOI-R--2844--SE

Pages: 48

Written in: Swedish

Keywords:

  • defence policy
  • security policy
  • foreign policy
  • international relations
  • China
  • United States
  • Taiwan
  • economy
  • energy

Abstract

China is playing an ever expanding role within the international community, in international economical and political matters as well as in security affairs. China´s international relations, particularly its relations to the Unites States, are increasingly characterised by mutual dependencies. Beijing´s international influence has expanded and within the sphere of its foreign relations, trade matters are becoming ever more important. The study highlights China´s international relations, focusing in particular on defence- and security policy. The study provides a comprehensive picture of China´s defence and security policy objectives and the impact of its foreign relations on national defence policy. Against this backdrop, the study puts forward three scenarios for China´s defence policy development in the 10- to 20 - year term. China´s defence white papers are discussed in a separate chapter, with a special emphasis on the white paper published in early 2009. A brief overview of China´s military modernisation and its military ambitions is also included in the study.