Mastery

Abstract

The stance of the Chinese military, though combat-ready at all times, is primarily defensive. Since the Russians are no longer considered a threat, there are no heavily manned garrisons along their frontiers; rather, the PLA is chiefly deployed to maintain internal security, particularly in the troublesome borderlands of Tibet and Xinjiang, where dissent and insurgency are most rife. The air force is well-equipped with jet fighters, bomber squadrons and long-range rockets and missiles, but it is the navy that plays the most crucial role in defending China’s territory and disputed claims to islands and oil fields in the Yellow and South China Seas.

Consummate skill, knowledge and practice in a craft.

(A general Chinese understanding of Mastery)