China’s military goal is to stand neck and neck with the US: ex-PLA colonel Zhou Bo

China's military modernization efforts are intensely focused on achieving a level of capability that can stand "neck and neck" with the United States, according to retired People's Liberation Army (PLA) Colonel Zhou Bo. As the PLA approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, a benchmark set by Beijing for significant military advancement, the ultimate goal appears to be achieving parity with the U.S. military.

Zhou Bo, a senior fellow at Tsinghua University's Centre for International Security and Strategy and author of "Should the World Fear China?", offers insights into the strategic ambitions behind this push for modernization. The 2027 centenary serves as a critical deadline, signaling Beijing's determination to significantly upgrade its armed forces across various domains.

The interview, part of the South China Morning Post's "Open Questions" series, delves into what this military modernization truly entails. While specific details of the PLA's objectives are often closely guarded, the overarching aim articulated by Zhou Bo points towards a desire to close the technological and operational gap with one of the world's foremost military powers.

The implications of China's military buildup are a subject of global interest and concern. Achieving military parity with the U.S. would reshape regional and international security dynamics, influencing geopolitical strategies and alliances. The interview seeks to unpack these ambitions and their potential consequences on the global stage.