Assessing China’s Military and Its Midcentury Goal
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Podcast

Assessing China’s Military and Its Midcentury Goal

Podcast with Cathy Johnston, Mike Studeman, and Michael Wills
July 10, 2025

In this episode of Asia Insight, Rear Admiral Mike Studeman (U.S. Navy, ret.) and Cathy Johnston assess the People’s Liberation Army in light of the Chinese Communist Party’s goal to build a world-class military by 2049. The conversation is moderated by NBR president Michael Wills.

Cathy Johnston spent 33 years in the Intel Community mostly focused on Asia. Her last assignment was as the Deputy Director of Intelligence at the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Mike Studeman is the former Commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence and a retired Rear Admiral. He is a member of NBR’s Board of Advisors.

Michael Wills is President of NBR.