Chinese Defense and Strategic Innovation Policy Training Program
The Executive Training Course on Chinese Defense and Strategic Innovation Policy examines the relationship between national security, defense modernization, technological innovation, industrialization, and China’s rise as a world power. Taught by leading China expert Tai Ming Cheung, the course focuses on how China is mobilizing and applying its economic, political, strategic, corporate, financial, intellectual, and scientific capabilities in conjunction with leveraging external resources to achieve its grand ambition of catching up technologically with the world’s advanced military powers within the next 1–2 decades.
2026 Course Schedule, May 19–22
May 19: Beginner Introduction
This one-day introductory session is designed for participants with little to no prior background in Chinese political, security, strategic, or defense science, technology, and industrial issues. The sessions provide foundational context on the historical evolution of China’s defense innovation and industrial systems, the structure and functioning of its political, economic, national security, and military institutions, and core elements of Chinese grand strategic thinking on science, technology, and innovation.
May 21–22: Intermediate & Advanced Topics
The remainder of the training course will focus on the strategic, institutional, and economic drivers shaping China’s contemporary military and defense development. Topics include Xi Jinping’s military strengthening doctrine, the militarization of the state and economy, military-civil fusion and national strategic integration, reforms to the defense industrial base, and the role of major planning frameworks and funding mechanisms. The course also assesses how mobilization strategies and anti-corruption campaigns have affected the PLA and the broader defense industrial ecosystem.
Application deadline: March 13, 2026. Applications received after the deadline may still be considered, subject to space available.
To apply, complete the Application Form and send along with your CV to Marie Thiveos Stewart at mthiveos@ucsd.edu.
