An Overview of Chinese Thinking About Deterrence

Abstract

All major powers undertake deterrence behaviour, as an integral part of their foreign and security policy. This includes the People's Republic of China (PRC). The PRC, however, comes from a different strategic tradition than the United States; therefore, understanding Chinese views of deterrence has become salient. This is complicated by the evolution in Chinese thinking about deterrence, as it has sought to incorporate various elements of national power.