Another factor affecting PLA modernization decisions
is Beijing’s changing assessment of what constitutes
its national security. PRC President and CCP
head Hu Jintao’s promulgation of “The Historic
Missions of Our Military in the New Period of the
New Century” in 2004 linked China’s growing global
economic interests with increasingly global political
interests, as well as global security interests. In addition
to the PLA’s traditional missions (defense of the
CCP, defense of Chinese territory, internal stability,
and internal humanitarian assistance and disaster
relief operations), “The Historic Missions” have an
unprecedented external focus. Whereas the PLA traditionally
concentrated almost solely on the defense
of Chinese territory, it is now also being asked to protect
Chinese interests. As described in Chinese writings, these
interests include the protection of Chinese nationals
overseas and Beijing’s overseas investments, securing
resources, the protection of the SLOCs vital to
PRC trade and energy imports, as well as defending
Chinese equities in cyber space and outer space.