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

In 1999, the military modernization program of the Chinese People's Liberation Army that had been underway for 20 years increased in intensity and achieved a focus not seen in the previous two decades. Based primarily on Chinese sources, this book details the changes and key developments implemented since 1999 and puts them in the context of the many traditions that still remain.

Dennis Blasko 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 volume defines 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, an~ missions routinely undertaken in support of society.

This book will be essential reading for students of the Chinese military, Chinese politics, Asian regional security, and strategic studies in general.