The framework consists of three parts and encompasses both material resources and doctrine, strategic objectives, and organizational conditions. It has been developed within the framework of a mission from the Ministry of Defence and forms the basis for upcoming FOI studies on Chinese military power. The new framework can also be used to analyze the military capabilities of other countries.
– The recently conducted military parade in Beijing shows how quickly China has modernized its armed forces. Our research is intended to complement the American-dominated research in the field, says Oscar Almén, research leader at FOI.
According to FOI's report, China has quickly transitioned from an underfunded military with outdated equipment to a modern force with advanced systems. At the same time, combat experience is lacking, and the ability to cooperate with other countries is assessed to be limited.
The researchers emphasize that the Chinese perspective is central to the analysis. Questions such as how China perceives its surroundings, what threats the country identifies, and how the military organization handles its weaknesses are in focus.
– It's not enough to count tanks. Despite limited openness, there are sources and data that can provide insight, says Christopher Weidacher Hsiung, researcher at FOI.