Through its publications, INSS aims to provide expert insights, cutting-edge research, and innovative solutions that contribute to shaping the national security discourse and preparing the next generation of leaders in the field.
July 5, 2025
China’s Military Diplomacy in the New Era
Military diplomacy – including senior-level visits, port calls, and joint exercises – has become a vital tool of Chinese statecraft.
May 6, 2025
Xi Can’t Trust His Own Military
An unending purge in China's top military ranks raises serious questions over the country's readiness for offensive war.
March 24, 2025
INSS China Center authors talk "China’s Quest for Military Supremacy" at Georgetown University
On 17 March, INSS China's Center's Dr. Phil Saunders and Dr. Joel Wuthnow gave a presentation at Georgetown University, discussing their new book.
March 10, 2025
China's Quest for Military Supremacy: A Conversation
On 25 Feb, INSS China Center Director Dr. Phillip Saunders and Senior Research Fellow Dr. Joel Wuthnow (INSS) spoke about their new book China’s Quest for Military Supremacy on the podcast, Mapping Global China Initiative, hosted by Maria Carrai at NYU Shanghai.
May 9, 2024
Unpacking China’s PLA Restructuring: A Conversation with Dr. Joel Wuthnow
Dr. Joel Wuthnow (INSS/Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs) was interviewed on the Center for Strategic & International Studies’ (CSIS) ChinaPower podcast.
Sept. 29, 2023
China's Expanding Nuclear Capabilities: A Conversation with David Logan and Phil Saunders
September 14, 2023 —
Why Xi Jinping Doesn't Trust His Own Military
September 26, 2023 — Over the last two months, a series of senior Chinese generals have disappeared from public view, including the defense minister and the leadership of the force responsible for China’s intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). These disappearances are surprising given the perception that Chinese President Xi Jinping dominates the People’s Liberation Army and his ruthless commitment to rooting out malfeasance earlier in his tenure. In fact, that such incidents have not only continued but also affected some of the most sensitive parts of the PLA showcases the limits of Xi’s power.
Jan. 31, 2023
China's Indo-Pacific Folly
Beijing’s ambition to isolate Washington from its Asian allies has been derailed in large part by its desire to redress more immediate grievances—namely, to reclaim what it sees as lost territory and punish countries that offend its sensibilities.
Dec. 4, 2022
Xi's New Central Military Commission: A War Council for Taiwan?
A key result of the 20th Party Congress was the reappointment of Xi Jinping as chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the selection of new CMC members. Some have argued that the new military brass indicates a greater inclination by Xi to use force against Taiwan, but the evidence does not support this view.
Aug. 17, 2022
Pushing Back Against China's New Normal in the Taiwan Strait
The key question moving forward is how to prevent China from making a more aggressive posture against Taiwan the new normal. More frequent Chinese exercises and incursions close to Taiwan should be monitored and, if necessary, thwarted, countered, or disrupted. If Chinese exercises involve military aircraft venturing into Taiwan’s airspace, for example, Taipei and Washington should consider measures to warn or intercept the Chinese planes. In response to the threat of a quarantine or blockade, Taipei needs to invest in appropriate capabilities and increase stockpiles of critical resources. Finally, larger, more frequent Chinese exercises around Taiwan would make determining China’s intentions more difficult. The United States and Taiwan should refine their approach to strategic warning, identifying indicators that can differentiate between a Chinese military exercise and preparations for an actual attack.