Chinese themselves might think they are not ready yet. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26761164 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26761164 >even thoug

Chinese themselves might think they are not ready yet. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26761164 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=26761164 >even though Beijing’s confidence in all elements of PRC national power has increased significantly over the past two decades and continues to grow, Chinese political leaders probably remain cautious about the PLA’s ability to execute high-intensity operations, most notably a major campaign to force unification with Taiwan. Even though the PLA has made great strides over the past two decades, military publications, official statements, and reform programs suggest that its modernization has not progressed as rapidly as Beijing thinks necessary in several areas critical to fighting modern wars ... >In several cases, these reports are based on PLA sources voicing concerns about systemic problems within China’s military establishment. Beijing has increased confidence in the PLA, but its remaining concerns raise questions about how much political risk China’s leaders are willing to accept if faced with a decision of whether or not to use force. Beijing’s questions about the PLA’s progress in areas of informatization, joint operations, and systems warfare are central to understanding whether the PRC sees itself as capable of confronting the United States and its allies in a conflict over Taiwan.