The PLA at Home and Abroad - Strategic Studies Institute - U.S. Army

sale of Chinese arms abroad and to discuss acquiring
certain weapons-related technologies. For example,
the Minister of Defense visited 12 of the 35 countries
China sold arms to during the 2000s, while GAD leaders
(the director, deputy directors, and political commissar)
visited 4 of the 35 countries. 108 Although none
of the news media reports about the trips discussed
arms sales or technology transfer, it is possible that
these topics were on the agenda.
The Role of PLA Military Diplomacy.
Based on the preceding analysis of each of the
major activities encompassed by PLA diplomacy, the
PRC utilizes the tools of military diplomacy in at least
four key ways:
1. China uses PLA military diplomacy as a tool
of reassurance to offset the repercussions of China’s
rapid and extensive military modernization program
and to maintain the stability necessary for continued
economic growth. Through direct interaction with
foreign officials via security dialogues, high-level
military exchanges, functional military exchanges,
and other military diplomatic venues, the PLA seeks
to reassure other countries, particularly those along
its periphery, and reduce the potential for misunderstandings
that could lead to conflict. 109
2. China uses PLA military diplomacy to enhance
China’s image abroad by carrying out activities that
make China look like a responsible member of the
international community. Participation in peacekeeping
and counterpiracy operations, as well as in other
forms of security cooperation, fosters the perception
among the international community that China is as-
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