China expands military coercion and domestic social control

China is pursuing a dual strategy of expanding its global military influence while enforcing strict domestic social control. On the international stage, Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun recently accused unnamed foreign powers of promoting “hegemonism,” “militarism,” and “historical revisionism” during the 13th Beijing Xiangshan Forum. Critics have noted the contradiction between these calls for peace and China’s increasing military spending and maritime activities in the East and South China Seas.

In his new book, “China’s Wars: The Politics and Diplomacy Behind its Military Coercion,” former Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale examines Beijing’s use of military pressure and gray-zone tactics. Gokhale argues that China utilizes domestic politics, ideological doctrine, and information operations to provide diplomatic cover for its strategic ambitions. He highlights a “talk and fight” approach, where China creates new military facts on the ground while simultaneously engaging in prolonged negotiations to solidify an altered status quo.

Domestically, the Chinese government is also focused on maintaining social order by enforcing strict norms and censoring online content deemed to foster “gender antagonisms” in an effort to promote traditional family values.