PLA aims to become global stabilizer in new era

The white paper, "China's National Defense in the New Era", issued on July 24 is the first systematic and comprehensive white paper on China's defense in four years, and details the new command and management system of the People's Liberation Army and its new strategic tasks and long-term development plan.

The white paper is also a timely move to scotch rumors and speculations, including recent media reports claiming that China and Cambodia have signed a "secret agreement" which allows China to use a naval base of Cambodia and that, in addition to Gwadar Port, China is also seeking to build a military base in Jiwani, Pakistan.

These reports suggest China's Belt and Road Initiative is moving toward militarization. Some Western scholars even believe China's real purpose behind the initiative is military expansion, and economic cooperation is only as a "bait" to "entrap" countries.