"How does China view the global counter-terrorism campaign?" "In which way will China build its army in the new century to adapt to the international security situation?" and "What is 'the new security concept' raised by China? And what has it done to go with the new concept?"

Those who are interested in China's international strategy and military affairs are likely itching to find out answers to these questions.

Now there is an easy solution: A book, entitled International Strategy and Revolution in Military Affairs, was recently put out by Tsinghua University Press.

As its title suggests, this book offers opinions on international situations, strategies and military affairs from a Chinese perspective.

The author, General Xiong Guangkai, serves as deputy chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and chairman of the China Institute for International Strategic Studies. His understanding, as shown in the book, to the issues addressed is both in-depth and far-reaching.

The book, both in Chinese and English, collects 14 papers on various subjects from the past few years. Originally lectures at academic seminars or international conferences, these articles were out of reach for most readers before the book was published.

The pieces are divided into three categories: analyses on the present international situation from a strategic perspective, China's defence strategy and evolution in military affairs, and the author's specific research on China's evolution on diplomatic and strategic outlooks after the founding of the People's Republic of China.

In simple and straightforward language, the book explains the complexities of international strategy and security at the turn of the century.

Some of the articles were offered by the author as a representative of the Chinese military, which the book differentiates from other files on the same subjects owing to its authoritative approach.

Though mostly opinion pieces, the book is far from being a dry lecture.

In the article On Revolution in Military Affairs, the author expounded the latest trend in global military: revolution in military affairs (RMA). After pointing out that the RMA has been a common phenomenon in major powers and explaining its concept and characters, the article illustrates RMA trends with a case study of the Iraq War.

The detailed account of warfare, analysis of weaponry and the operation patterns of involved parties have served to convey the author's opinions in a vivid manner.

Xiong then further offers his understanding as to China's current position and tasks to catch up with this wave of RMA operations.

With experiences of research in international strategy, international relationships and military affairs, Xiong makes the book a valuable reference for professional researchers through his insights and expertise.

To readers who are concerned with these topics, it can also serve as a source of enlightenment.

The English version was edited by Lin Wusun and Zhang Qingnian, both respected translators.

(China Daily November 4, 2003)