CONFIDENTIAL
DSR HIC
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(iii) the Third World the developing countries
GA
to the leadership of which China aspires. She
disclaims any suggestion that she herself will
become a superpower, although she aims to become
a leading industrialised nation.
(b) Defence Policy
6.
be
The main aims of Chinese defence policy appear to
to deter a Soviet attack, and to be able
to defend her territory and offshore resources should
the need arise, as well as maintaining internal security.
Further aims include the furthering of her influence vis-
à-vis the Soviet Union through provision of military
assistance to countries in the Third World, and the
development of a long-term capability to recover Taiwan.
7. The Chinese hope to deter a Soviet attack with their
nuclear strategic force of over 50 mobile MRBM and IRBMs,
together with a few ICBMs. In the event of an attack
their strategy is based upon the "People's War" theory,
according to which they hope to exploit their vast land
mass and militia forces in guerrilla warfare against
the invaders. About half the regular ground forces
are deployed to protect the 6750 mile Soviet and
Mongolian border, mainly well back from the border where
the mountainous terrain compensates for limited Chinese
firepower and mobility.
CONFIDENTIAL
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