CHINESE PERCEPTIONS OF TRADITIONAL AND NONTRADITIONAL SECURITY THREATS

While “knowing your enemy” has long been a Chinese
stratagem, cultural intelligence only recently has gained
precedence in American military strategy. Our efforts
in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the war on terror remind us
of how differently much of the rest of the world thinks
and perceives. This monograph is an effort to better
understand Chinese thinking. Ms. Susan Craig’s research
into Chinese threat perceptions is important for several
reasons. Above all, it provides valuable insight into the
comprehensiveness of the Chinese concept of national
security and how China perceives itself, the world, and
China’s place within it. Further, the author’s deliberate
effort to maintain a Chinese perspective by relying solely
on Chinese sources—namely, scholarly journals, the news
media, official policy pronouncements, and personal
interviews—demonstrates that Chinese intentions and
motivations are not a secret. The author’s research shows
that there is a significant amount of information about
Chinese concerns, perceptions, and motivations that is
available openly, and that many of China’s influential
elite are willing and able to meet and openly exchange
ideas. Also, it shows that there is an active arena for
debate in China on national security issues. Likely due
to the rapidly changing international environment and
China’s growing interest and participation in it, Chinese
perceptions about its national security are more diverse,
nuanced, and sophisticated today than ever before. By
acknowledging that Chinese thinking is not monolithic,
we can better appreciate and influence debates that are
occurring.