Publisher's Synopsis
If China remains an enigma to many then Chinese defence policy is the best hidden of its secrets. This book is an investigation of Chinese defence policy and the contemporary importance of the 'people's war' strategy, exemplified from the revolution of 1949 to Vietnam. Contrary to the widely held view that defence modernisation must spell an end to 'people's war', this study argues that the strategy will continue, finding new effectiveness through a combinaton of middle-range technology and unconventional warfare including new uses for nuclear weapons: 'guerrilla nuclear warfare'. China is not grooming its military force as a poor replica of a Western or Soviet military force. The changing face of Chinese defence is only cosmetically Western; its strategic features remain distinctly Chinese.;The author continues to correspond for the new Hong Kong magazine "Asiaweek".