Yet as the People's Liberation Army emerges as one of the region's most potent forces, defence officials are making unprecedented efforts to present a more open and positive face to the outside world, from taking part in international peacekeeping operations to loosening curbs on contacts with journalists.
“Is this an OK answer to your question? Am I open enough?” asks Maj Gen Qian Lihua, head of foreign affairs for the defence ministry, during what aides say was the first interview with international media held on ministry premises.
It is a good question. Both the US and Japan have regularly complained that military secrecy is fuelling regional concerns raised by China's rise.
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