The People’s Liberation Army: China’s Capabilities and Intentions in 2022

In early August, Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, visited Taiwan. Her visit was met with harsh condemnation by Beijing, followed by a Chinese ban on thousands of Taiwanese food imports, from fruits and vegetables to cookies and baby food. In addition, China suspended or canceled various dialogues with the United States. The Chinese military, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), conducted a series of provocative exercises around Taiwan. These actions were reminiscent of when China fired missiles into the waters around the island in 1995–1996 after Taiwan’s then-President Lee Teng-hui visited the United States. Of course, the PLA’s capabilities have evolved significantly over the past 25 years, and the current round of military drills reflected some of this progress.

In this episode, host Bonnie Glaser is joined by John Culver to discuss the military exercises and China’s intentions and capabilities. Culver is currently a nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Global China Hub. Previously he was a National Intelligence Officer for East Asia and a Central Intelligence Agency analyst. 

Episode Highlights: 

[1:38] Beijing's Goals and Signals

[5:43] People’s Liberation Army and Advanced Planning

[7:20] A New Normal?

[11:44] Learning from the Recent Drills

[13:58] China’s Interpretation of US Response

[16:40] Mobilization, Confidence, and Capabilities

[26:43] US Congress’ Taiwan Policy Act and China’s Reactions