Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China: 2023 Annual Report to Congress

A set of vocabulary flashcards designed to help students understand key terms and concepts related to military and security developments involving the People's Republic of China.

Department of Defense

The U.S. government department responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions related to national security and the military.

People's Republic of China (PRC)

The official name of China, a country governed by the Chinese Communist Party.

National Defense Authorization Act

A United States federal law that specifies the budget and expenditures of the Department of Defense.

People's Liberation Army (PLA)

The combined military forces of the People's Republic of China, including the Ground Force, Navy, Air Force, Rocket Force, and Strategic Support Force.

Military-Civil Fusion (MCF)

A national strategy of the PRC to integrate military and civilian technologies and capabilities.

Great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation

A key national objective for the PRC, aiming for significant political, social, and military modernity by 2049.

Active defense policy

The PRC's military strategy emphasizing a defensive posture in combination with the willingness to take offensive actions.

Taiwan question

The issue of Taiwan's political status and its relationship with the PRC.

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

A global development strategy adopted by China to enhance regional connectivity and embrace a brighter economic future.

Xi Jinping Thought

An ideology involving socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era, central to the policies of the CCP since 2017.

Chinese Communist Party (CCP)

The founding and ruling political party of the People's Republic of China.

National People's Congress (NPC)

The highest organ of state power in the People's Republic of China and the national legislature.

China’s Economic Development Goals

Objectives set by the CCP to promote innovation and improve the economy through various reforms and policies.

Common prosperity

A concept aimed at reducing inequality and promoting equitable access to wealth in China.

Combat readiness

The capability of military forces to engage in combat at any given moment.

Indo-Pacific region

A geopolitical region that includes the countries in the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean.

Multi-Domain Precision Warfare (MDPW)

PLA's operational concept that involves coordinated operations across multiple domains to achieve combat effectiveness.

Global Security Initiative (GSI)

An initiative announced by Xi Jinping aimed at promoting a new security concept that emphasizes inclusivity and mutual respect.

Civil-Military Integration

The collaboration between civilian and military sectors to promote innovation and enhance national defense capabilities.

Historical narrative of national rejuvenation

The PRC's framing of its historical struggles and recovery as a quest to restore China's former greatness.

Military contacts and exchanges

Cooperation and communication activities between military forces of China and other nations.

Strategic Partnership

A diplomatic relationship where two countries agree to collaborate on various levels while maintaining their individual national interests.

Taiwan Strait

The body of water separating Taiwan and mainland China; a region of strategic military significance.

Economic statecraft

The use of economic tools to pursue foreign policy objectives.

PLA Navy (PLAN)

The naval force of the People's Liberation Army, tasked with maritime operations and protecting China's maritime interests.

PLA Rocket Force (PLARF)

The branch of the PLA responsible for strategic missile operations and nuclear deterrence.

PLA Air Force (PLAAF)

The aerial and aerial warfare branch of the People's Liberation Army.

First Island Chain (FIC)

A geopolitical term referring to a series of islands that form a chain along the western Pacific Ocean, significant for military strategy.

Human domain operations

Military operations that take into account the human factors, including psychological and social considerations.

Intelligentized warfare

A concept involving the incorporation of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies into military operations.

Counter-intervention strategy

Military strategies aimed at deterring or responding to potential interference by foreign powers in regional conflicts.

Space capabilities

The abilities and technologies associated with operating in space, primarily developed within the military context.

Comprehensive national power

A term describing the overall power of a nation, taking into account military, economic, cultural, and diplomatic influences.

National Security Concept

A broad framework set forth by the PRC that outlines the interrelation of security with various domestic and international factors.

Joint Logistic Support Force (JLSF)

A division of the PLA tasked with managing logistics and operational support across military branches.

Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR)

Military activities involved in gathering information about an adversary's activities or capabilities.

Cyber capabilities

Technological and operational aspects of cyberspace that contribute to military effectiveness.

Strategic Support Force (SSF)

A branch of the PLA responsible for electronic, cyber, psychological, and space warfare.

Force modernization

The process of updating and improving military capabilities to respond to contemporary threats and challenges.

Economic coercion

The use of economic pressure to influence another state's behavior.

Human capital

The economic value of a workforce's skill set and education level.

Geostrategic shifts

Changes in regional or global power dynamics that affect military and foreign policy.

Defense budget

The governmental allocation of funds for military activities, research, equipment, and personnel. Mulit-domain warfare:

Multilateralism

The practice of coordinating a collective response to global challenges through cooperation among multiple nations.

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)

Military and security operations involving the collection and analysis of information.

C4ISR network

Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance network designed to enhance military effectiveness.