This volume examines how China’s leadership and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) determine the force structure and size best suited to the country’s strategic requirements. In doing so, it makes an important contribution to the long-standing debate on PLA transparency. Emphasising not only how but why militaries modernise, the book explores the influence of national policy, strategy, doctrine, organisational structure, missions, and service culture on military transformation. An insightful study for readers of Chinese military affairs and defence policy.