While the Chinese remain highly reluctant to be transparent on capabilities, they are far more forthcoming about their intentions. Indeed, clarity about intentions is often far more important in preventing misperceptions and miscalculations. China's perceptions of future security challenges are sobering. The document clearly identifies the United States as the principal threat to both international security and regional stability. The attacks on the U.S. are sharper and more direct than other public statements.
Some commentators consider the document to be a direct challenge to U.S. strategy in East Asia.
But compared with the white papers of other Asian nations such as Japan and South Korea, the document falls short. The scope and content of China's white paper are far less revealing and leave other Asian nations guessing about critical trends in the Chinese military. In addition, very little of the content is new to specialists on Chinese military and foreign policy. Crucial gaps include detailed data about nuclear doctrine, force structure, missiles, military budgets, manpower numbers, domestic procurement and foreign-arms acquisitions. Even on issues where Chinese positions are well known, such as arms control, the document has weaknesses.