By the early 21st century, China had emerged as a significant global power alongside the United States. Its economic, political, and military strength became prominent, with substantial military spending and advanced technology development. This contrasted sharply with its state in the late 19th century, when it faced European colonial pressure. The period from the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95) to the Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War (1949) marked China's transformation into a modern world power.
During this era, China's imperial system broke down due to 19th-century rebellions, leading to warlords and internal strife. Despite establishing the Republic of China in 1912, the nation grappled with factional battles. The 1920s witnessed the rise of the Kuomintang and the Chinese Communist Party, each vying for control. The conflict escalated, with Japan intervening and eventually clashing with China. Japan's defeat in World War II paved the way for a four-year civil war before the Chinese Communist Party established dominance.
In his study, Philip Jowett delves into China's complex military history during these transformative years, detailing the conflicts that shaped its evolution into a modern superpower.
