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And now I'm seeing the full text available in English (as a word document?): xinhuanet.com/english/2019-0…, h/t @AndrewSErickson, who has also posted it here: xinhuanet.com/english/2019-0…. I'll be curious to see how my own official translations compare to the official version...
@AndrewSErickson Now switching to reading the English version, since I'm curious to see the choices of translation for a couple of key passages, and scanning my computer for malware again after downloading it...
@AndrewSErickson The extent to which this is really intended for an external audience comes through very clearly in the opening statements of the English version, given the tone and invocation of a very cooperative orientation.
@AndrewSErickson Not so subtle critique of U.S. policy: "international security system and order are undermined by growing hegemonism, power politics, unilateralism and constant regional conflicts and wars."
@AndrewSErickson Continuing this criticism: "The US...has provoked and intensified competition among major countries, significantly increased its defense expenditure, pushed for additional capacity in nuclear, outer space, cyber and missile defense, and undermined global strategic stability."
@AndrewSErickson To some extent, this national defense white paper can be read as a response and interesting counterpoint to the U.S. National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy, discussing strategic competition very differently than American discourse.
@AndrewSErickson The adoption of the concept of strategic stability in Chinese discourse and critiques of U.S. strategy is also notable and raises the question of the extent to which we have a shared or consistent understanding of the concpt.
@AndrewSErickson Also evidently a rebuke to the US: "International arms control and disarmament efforts have suffered setbacks, with growing signs of arms races...The international non-proliferation regime is compromised by pragmatism and double standards, and hence faces new challenges."
@AndrewSErickson Is the language about double standards an allusion to U.S. attempts to urge China to consider joining the INF Treaty, which is unlikely to happen anytime soon?
@AndrewSErickson Interesting indication of growing concerns with non-traditional security threats, including cyber security, bio-security and piracy. From a more optimistic perspective, perhaps there is space to continue U.S.-China cooperation on those fronts?
@AndrewSErickson "China continues to enjoy political stability, ethnic unity and social stability." Really? What about the abuses in Xinjiang? What about the ongoing protests in Hong Kong and by student activists at Chinese universities advocating for social justice?
@AndrewSErickson This assessment is noteworthy: "China is still in an important period of strategic opportunity for development. Nevertheless, it also faces diverse and complex security threats and challenges."
@AndrewSErickson Unsurprisingly, Taiwan is first and foremost. "The fight against separatists is becoming more acute." The DPP is described as "intensifying hostility and confrontation, and borrowing the strength of foreign influence." (Cc @jessicadrun, I'll be curious to hear your thoughts)
@AndrewSErickson @jessicadrun Implicitly justifying policies in Tibet and Xinjiang: "External separatist forces for “Tibet independence” and the creation of “East Turkistan” launch frequent actions, posing threats to China’s national security and social stability."
@AndrewSErickson @jessicadrun Now on to some of the primary signaling: "China will pursue a national defense policy that is defensive in nature," while "resolutely safeguarding China’s sovereignty, security and development interests"
@AndrewSErickson @jessicadrun Unsurprisingly, there is very strong language on territorial integrity and on "the Taiwan question." This is intended as signaling of red lines.
@AndrewSErickson @jessicadrun In defense of the construction of military installations on artificial islands in the South China Sea: "China exercises its national sovereignty to build infrastructure and deploy necessary defensive capabilities on the islands and reefs in the South China Sea..."
@AndrewSErickson @jessicadrun These are some of the most explicit threats that I've seen on Taiwan, and the message is intended to be very clear: "The PLA will resolutely defeat anyone attempting to separate Taiwan from China and safeguard national unity at all costs." 
@AndrewSErickson @jessicadrun Skipping ahead to look at "missions and tasks of China's armed forces in the new era." There are some interesting details in this section.
