CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF CHINESE MILITARY AFFAIRS

 

About

Director: Dr. Phillip C. Saunders

The congressionally mandated mission of the INSS Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs (CSCMA) is to serve as a national focal point and resource center for multidisciplinary research and analytic exchanges on the national goals and strategic posture of the People’s Republic of China and the ability of that nation to develop, field, and deploy an effective military instrument in support of its national strategic objectives.

Areas of Focus 

People’s Liberation Army

PLA Warfighting

Chinese Territorial Disputes

 

China's Military Diplomacy is the most recent book by Dr. Joel Wuthnow and Dr. Phillip Saunders. This book explores China’s military ambitions, constraints, and what it would take for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to emerge as a dominant global force.

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Recent Publications

Two figures. Figure 1 (left): All Military Leader Engagements with Africa. Figure 2 (right): CMC Vice Chair travel to Africa.
China’s Military Diplomacy in Africa
By Matt Kuhlman, Raina Nelson, and Phillip C. Saunders | Aug. 20, 2025
This article shows another application for regional researchers, analysts, and policymakers. Specifically, it uses the database to explore some specific aspects of the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA’s) evolving engagement in Africa.
Cover art of School of War
INSS China Center Researchers join School of War Podcast
By Aaron MacLean | Aug. 13, 2025
INSS China Center Director Dr. Phillip Saunders and Senior Research Fellow Dr. Joel Wuthnow are interviewed discussing their new book China’s Quest for Military Supremacy on the latest School of War podcast.
A portrait of China’s leader, Xi Jinping, at the Military Museum in Beijing. Mr. Xi has set a 2027 target for modernizing the People’s Liberation Army.
Dr. Joel Wuthnow quoted in NYT on challenges within China's military
By Chris Buckley | Aug. 13, 2025
On 10 August, INSS China Center Senior Research Fellow Dr. Joel Wuthnow was quoted in a New York Times story by Chris Buckley titled “Xi Looks to Tighten Grip After Scandals Shake China’s Military Elite.”
Cover of How the U.S. and China Use Deterrence to Preserve Peace by Faultlines
How the U.S. and China Use Deterrence to Preserve Peace
By Oriana Skylar Mastro and Joel Wuthnow | Aug. 6, 2025
On 1 August 2025, INSS China Center Senior Research Fellow Joel Wuthnow appeared in a National Committee on U.S.-China Relations Faultlines video on “How the U.S. and China Use Deterrence to Preserve Peace.”
Cover Image of China Desk podcast
INSS China Center Researchers join China Desk Podcast
By Dr. Phillip Saunders and Dr. Joel Wuthnow | Aug. 6, 2025
On 5 August 2025, INSS China Center Director Phillip Saunders and Center Senior Research Fellow Joel Wuthnow appeared on the China Desk podcast with Steve Yates to discuss their book China’s Quest for Military Supremacy.
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