U.s. Army Command and General Staff College

The Dragon's Intentions: How China's Past is a Prologue for the Future U.s. Army Command and General Staff College

The purpose of this book is to understand how China's culture affects the way it behaves internationally. By reviewing lessons from recent Chinese history and prevailing philosophies, we can see that China has succeeded in their goal of achieving international recognition, both militarily and economically. However, the legacy of the 'Century of Humiliation' runs deep and will affect their future endeavors. The United States must acknowledge that the conditions on the international stage are changing very rapidly and should refrain from trying to apply an outdated or cookie-cutter approach when dealing with China. At the same time, China's growing military capability cannot be ignored. The enduring strategic principles of the indirect approach, timing, and adaptability should be applied when considering Chinese intentions.