From China Power Project, CSIS: "The Chengdu J-20 marks the first entry of a multirole stealth fighter into China's armed forces. According to the Department of Defense (DOD), China views stealth technology as a core component in the transformation of its air force from “a predominantly territorial air force to one capable of conducting both offensive and defensive operations.” Designed for enhanced stealth and maneuverability, the J-20 has the potential to provide China with a variety of previously unavailable air combat options and enhance its capability to project power."
From Sean P. Morrisroe, RealClearDefense: “The “String of Pearls” theory posits that the Chinese are building a string of civilian and military installations starting from Hainan Island, through the Parcel Islands, ports in Sri Lanka, Myanmar; Gwadar, Pakistan and eventually ending with the naval base in Djibouti. According to the theory, the Chinese are using these installations to secure a line of communication to the oil fields of the Middle East. China imports approximately 70% of its oil from the region. So a benevolent China securing its shipping lanes makes sense, and maybe the world should not worry.”
From RAND Corporation: "China's approach to nuclear deterrence has been broadly consistent since its first nuclear test in 1964. Key elements are its no-first-use policy and reliance on a small force of nuclear weapons capable of executing retaliatory strikes if China is attacked. China has recently accelerated nuclear force building and modernization, and both international and domestic factors are likely to drive faster modernization in the future."