Stories about China’s military are now a regular feature of foreign affairs reporting. We already knew that China was fielding some of the most advanced military technologies in the world. We still have only a partial understanding of how capable the Chinese military actually is with all this new kit. Ultimately, China’s military rise is a story of impressive technology and strategic ambition, but it is also a story of uncertainty. Understanding China’s military requires looking beyond the spectacle and assessing both the tools and the people who wield them.