The ‘soft’ uses of ‘hard power’: the people’s liberation army and ‘military operations other than war’

This article was published in the Australian Journal of International Affairs, vol. 79, issue 2, pp 209-234. https://doi.org/10.1080/10357718.2025.2455709.

Abstract

Through an examination of the treatment of MOOTW in official doctrinal and defense policy statements and ‘semi-authoritative’ Chinese military writings this paper argues: (i) that MOOTW have become integrated into China’s military strategy as a means of protecting ‘overseas interests’, enhancing PLA operational experience and supporting China’s broader diplomatic and strategic objectives; and (ii) the manner in which this integration has occurred is emblematic of the iterative nature of Chinese strategic doctrine informed by perceptions of shifts in the contemporary global security environment and their impact on China’s national interests. The paper concludes however that while China has made significant strides in embedding MOOTW into the PLA’s mission, its ability to meet these objectives is constrained both by the fact that its primary strategic focus remains East Asia and its capability development is geared to ‘counter-intervention’ of outside powers in that sphere.

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