China's New Strategic Forces: The PLA Rocket Force and the PLA Strategic Support Force: Implications for the United States
Bates Gill

March 12, 2018

Dr. Gill will present early findings from a US DOD-supported research project focusing on the newly-established People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) and Strategic Support Force (PLASSF). Drawing primarily from open-source Chinese publications and interviews, the project examines the strategic rationale motivating the formation of these elements of the PLA, discerns possible doctrinal shifts related to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and weapons of mass effect (WME) which the PLARF and PLASSF may undertake, and assesses the implications of these developments for the United States.

Dr. Gill has a long record of research and publication, particularly regarding Asia-Pacific and Chinese politics, foreign policy, and security. This work has resulted in more than 200 publications and research-related travel to more than 50 countries. He has consulted for corporations, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations, and has lectured widely and provided U.S. Congressional and other parliamentary testimony related to Asian and global affairs. Dr. Gill received his Ph.D. in foreign affairs from the Woodrow Wilson Department of Government and Foreign Affairs, University of Virginia.