Overview
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is the largest military in the world. It is estimated that there are approximately 2,035,000 active personnel in the PLA, with the reserve force estimated at approximately 817,000 personnel. This figure varies depending on the country’s political agenda, but is usually around 3 million active soldiers. The PLA has a strong political control over the military, tight discipline, and well-implemented operational system. It has been a key factor in many international conflicts, and is a central actor in the ongoing power dynamics in Asia.
History and Evolution
The PLA is a modern military, having undergone a major transformation from its traditional methods in the late 20th century. The Chinese government began investing heavily in the military in the early 1990s and modernized the personnel, equipment, and operations. The PLA’s size quadrupled in the 1990s and, since the turn of the century, has experienced further modernizations. This includes the focus on technological advances, especially in the area of cyber warfare and fifth-generation fighter jets. In recent years, the PLA has maintained its role as one of the top military forces in the world.
Organization and Command
The PLA is organized into four main branches, each with its own responsibilities and command structure. The Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Strategic Support Force are all based in Beijing, with the major base in the People’s Liberation Army General Staff Department in Beijing. The primary source of command is the Central Military Commission, which is the overall manager of all military activities. In addition to the CMC, the PLA is divided into seven theater commands for specific purposes.
Overseas Deployment
The PLA has deployed its forces overseas in several major circumstances. In recent years, the PLA has established a presence in the South China Sea, where it has engaged in territorial disputes with several countries including the Philippines and Vietnam. The PLA has also undertaken missions in the East China Sea and has conducted military exercises in the region. The PLA was also involved in conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, typically serving in peacekeeping roles.
Equipment and Weapons
The Chinese military has an extensive array of modern technology and equipment. This includes a range of long-range missile systems, fifth-generation fighter jets, stealth cruisers, and other advanced weapons. The PLA also has an extensive ground force, with tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, and more. Throughout its modernization, the PLA has put an emphasis on upgrading its air power and increasing the effectiveness of its missiles and other weapons.
Training and Doctrine
The PLA’s doctrine and training methods have evolved greatly in recent years. It has adopted a doctrine of training for “specific operational functions”. This means that the PLA focuses more on acquiring specialized skills for specific operations and less on general military training. This approach focuses on a more flexible and adaptive force which can rapidly respond to outside events. The PLA has also adopted a “human wave attack” doctrine, which is based on the idea of overwhelming an enemy with the sheer numbers of military personnel.
Evaluation and Outlook
The Chinese military is one of the most powerful military forces in the world. Its impressive size, specialized skillset, and range of modern weapons make it a formidable opponent. The PLA is a flexible, adaptive force which can rapidly respond to outside events, which makes it a key factor in the power dynamics in the region. The PLA has been a central actor in many international conflicts in recent years, and it is likely to continue to have an impact in the future.
Current Deployments and Missions
The PLA is currently involved in a variety of missions and deployments around the world. In recent years, the PLA has deployed forces to the South China Sea, East China Sea, and the Middle East. The PLA is also involved in international peacekeeping missions, including deployments in Afghanistan and South Sudan. The PLA has also taken part in a variety of humanitarian missions, such as providing aid and relief during the Covid-19 pandemic.
International Impact
The PLA has had a significant international impact in recent years. The military has been involved in a number of international disputes, ranging from border disputes to regional power dynamics. Its presence in the South China Sea has drawn strong international criticism, as well as a number of sanctions from other countries. The PLA’s international impact has been both positive and negative, but the reality is that it is a major factor in international politics.
Domestic Impact
The impact of the PLA is not limited to international affairs. Domestically, the PLA has played an important role in social and economic development. The military has been heavily involved in reforms to modernize the Chinese economy, and is also involved in infrastructure and public works projects. The Chinese government has also used the military to help secure the public, as well as to protect the party’s interests and control citizens.
