‘SURPRISING’ HOW QUICKLY CHINA’S MILITARY IS CLOSING GAP WITH US: ANALYST LYLE GOLDSTEIN

Lyle Goldstein, a senior fellow at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs and director of Asia engagement at the Washington think tank Defence Priorities, said in a South China Morning Post interview that China’s military has made surprisingly rapid progress in modernising its armed forces over the past decade. The analyst highlighted the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) closing gap with U.S. capabilities and its potential implications for future military balance. Goldstein emphasized the significance of this trend for modern military history.

Goldstein discussed the PLA’s modernization drive in terms of speed, scope and strategic impact, noting that the Chinese military is approaching three benchmark years for its transformation, including 2027. He assessed the 10‑year progress in technology, doctrine, and force structure, and offered a forecast for the PLA’s position by 2027. While the interview did not provide specific figures, Goldstein framed China’s advancements as a substantial shift in global power dynamics.

China’s rapid militarization has attracted scrutiny from U.S. defense analysts and policymakers who worry about a future imbalance in power projection. The analysis underscores the importance of tracking PLA reforms for anticipating potential shifts in regional security.

• Goldstein calls China’s military modernization rapid and surprising.
• He analyzes the PLA’s 10‑year progress toward benchmark years, including 2027.
• The interview highlights concerns about future U.S.-China power imbalance.

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