Dean Cheng

 

Stories by Dean Cheng

Why Xi created a new Information Support Force, and why now

Why Xi created a new Information Support Force, and why now
Why Xi created a new Information Support Force, and why now

“What does seem clear at this point is that the PLA recognizes that its reforms and modernization efforts are an ongoing effort, which will require further adjustments,” author Dean Cheng writes.

Batten the hatches: Rough times ahead after Taiwan elections

Batten the hatches: Rough times ahead after Taiwan elections
Batten the hatches: Rough times ahead after Taiwan elections

In its presidential election Taiwan may have sent a rebuke to Beijing, but in this op-ed the United States Institute of Peace’s Dean Cheng makes a closer, more nuanced examination.

The potential end of China’s ‘Period of Strategic Opportunity,’ and what it means militarily

The potential end of China’s ‘Period of Strategic Opportunity,’ and what it means militarily
The potential end of China’s ‘Period of Strategic Opportunity,’ and what it means militarily

2023 will mark the second year in a row that China’s defense budget is slated to increase at a faster rate than the general economy, a potentially worrisome trend for Beijing, writes analyst Dean Cheng.

China calls for new ‘strategic guidance’ at 20th Party Congress

China calls for new ‘strategic guidance’ at 20th Party Congress
China calls for new ‘strategic guidance’ at 20th Party Congress

China analyst Dean Cheng breaks down the key military aspects of Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s statements at the recent Party Congress.

China’s Military Commission leadership at stake at Xi’s Peoples Congress

China’s Military Commission leadership at stake at Xi’s Peoples Congress
China’s Military Commission leadership at stake at Xi’s Peoples Congress

With this Party Congress under way in Beijing, Xi Jinping will put in place China’s political and military leadership for the next five years, writes Dean Cheng.

PLA exercises after Pelosi Taiwan visit were largely pre-planned

PLA exercises after Pelosi Taiwan visit were largely pre-planned
PLA exercises after Pelosi Taiwan visit were largely pre-planned

Reacting to the PLA’s previous large-scale exercise in the Taiwan straits in 1995-1996, the United States deployed two carrier battlegroups in response. The Chinese undoubtedly noted that this latest exercise, which included missile overflights of the island, led to a far more muted reaction, writes Dean Cheng.

The Afghanistan Debacle: 5G And China

The Afghanistan Debacle: 5G And China
The Afghanistan Debacle: 5G And China

With Washington demonstrating little competency or reliability, Beijing is likely to press countries to include Huawei and other Chinese telecommunications corporations in their 5G networks, lest they alienate Beijing.

China’s Nuclear Forces Swell: A Tri-Polar World?

China’s Nuclear Forces Swell: A Tri-Polar World?
China’s Nuclear Forces Swell: A Tri-Polar World?

The combination of a modern long-range bomber (the H-20), and an expanded seaborne ballistic missile force, as well as this massive inflation of the land-based ICBM component, makes China’s nuclear forces look far more like their “hegemonic” counterparts in Russia and the United States than the minimal or limited deterrent presented by French or British nuclear forces.

How China’s Thinking About The Next War

How China’s Thinking About The Next War
How China’s Thinking About The Next War

The PLA Navy (PLAN) and PLA Air Force (PLAAF) are now the world’s largest, but China’s military modernization is not only focused on equipment. The PRC appears to be  developing new strategies and doctrines. The PLA began shifting in the 1990s from preparing to fight “local wars under modern, high-tech conditions” to “local wars under…

Chinese Party Sets Bold Military Goal: ‘Mechanized & Informationized’ By 2027

Chinese Party Sets Bold Military Goal: ‘Mechanized & Informationized’ By 2027
Chinese Party Sets Bold Military Goal: ‘Mechanized & Informationized’ By 2027

This marks Dean Cheng’s first op-ed for us as a member of the Breaking Defense Board of Contributors. One of the world’s preeminent experts on the Chinese military, Cheng demonstrates here the sophistication and subtlety of analysis he is known for. What does the west need to do to better manage its relationships with China…

China, COVID-19 and 5G; Golden Opportunity For The West

China, COVID-19 and 5G; Golden Opportunity For The West
China, COVID-19 and 5G; Golden Opportunity For The West

Wars and pandemics, great destroyers of the status quo, often generate enormous societal change. An outbreak of hoof-and-mouth disease in the early 20th century, for example, gave the internal combustion engine a permanent lead over steam-powered automobiles. The First World War saw more improvements in aeronautical engineering and airplane manufacturing than the previous decade.  The…

Quarantine? What Are American Options for the South China Sea?

Quarantine? What Are American Options for the South China Sea?
Quarantine? What Are American Options for the South China Sea?

Sens. John McCain and Lindsey Graham, who had expressed serious reservations about Rex Tillerson, President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of State, said Sunday afternoon they would vote for him, pretty much assuring his elevation. The most combustible part of Tillerson’s testimony was about how to handle a rising China’s actions in the South and East…

What PRC President Is Really Doing; What The Uniform Means

What PRC President Is Really Doing; What The Uniform Means
What PRC President Is Really Doing; What The Uniform Means

Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s recent appearance in a military uniform while touring a military command center and the attendant description of him as “commander in chief” of the facility, drew extensive Chinese and foreign media attention. Was his appearance in uniform a reflection of a militarizing China? Was the description of him as “commander in chief”…

US ‘Steadily Retreating’ In South China Sea Dispute

US ‘Steadily Retreating’ In South China Sea Dispute
US ‘Steadily Retreating’ In South China Sea Dispute

Those of us who cover the US military in detail, those in the military and those who spend lots of time around the military tend to be at least mildly obsessed with Star Trek and Star Wars. As his opening make clear, Dean Cheng is truly one of the tribe. But his topic, freedom of…

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