The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is one of the world’s largest and most formidable military forces, with around two million soldiers on active-duty. Established in 1927, its active troops have grown dramatically over the past century and a half, increases particularly notable since the mid-1990s. It currently stands as the largest standing military force in the world and is estimated to have reached its peak size in 2020.
The active troops of the PLA are responsible for defending China’s land and sea borders, ensuring internal security and engaging in joint exercises with other allied forces. The ground force comprises the vast majority of Chinese servicemen and women, and forms the primary component of the PLA. This includes a number of specialist units, as well as members of the paramilitary reserve.
Due to the sheer size of the Chinese population, the country’s military recruits a disproportionately large number of servicemen and women relative to other nations. However, the largest army in the world still consumes an enormous amount of financial, material and human resources. In the face of a changing geopolitical global landscape, the PLA has quickly modernized its forces, embracing high-tech equipment such as drones and stealth fighters, while maintaining a sizeable standing ground force.
The PLA also has a significant presence in global peace-keeping efforts and has been involved in a number of United Nations (UN) mandated missions. This has allowed it to contribute to the international community and open communication lines between Beijing and Washington. Beijing has also made efforts to cultivate ties with the leaders of some of the more hostile nations, in an attempt to further regional stability and to ensure its own national security.
To modernize its army, China has heavily relied on massive investments in cutting-edge military hardware, including the development of next-generation weaponry. This investment has led to revolutionary advances in the field of defense technology, allowing for the rapid modernization of the PLA’s ground and air forces.
In addition to its ground forces, the PLA also operates a formidable nuclear deterrent. The Chinese arsenal includes intercontinental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, as well as a rapidly growing stockpile of nuclear warheads. In the event of a nuclear attack, the PLA is well prepared to deter or respond to any threat.
The PLA also makes use of a wide range of technological advances in order to protect itself and its citizens. This includes the implementation of facial recognition systems and the implementation of a massive cyber-defense program. The Chinese Defense Ministry also operates a massive intelligence network in order to monitor the activities of other nations.
Equipment Used by the Chinese Army
The PLA relies on a wide range of highly sophisticated weapons and equipment in order to carry out its missions. The ground forces use a variety of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery and helicopters, as well as other specialized ground-based weapons systems. Additionally, the air force also relies on a fleet of fighter jets and bombers, including fourth and fifth-generation fighters.
The Chinese Navy is also heavily equipped in terms of ground forces, with an extensive fleet of submarines, aircraft carriers, frigates, corvettes, mine countermeasure vessels, and amphibious assault vessels. Additionally, the Navy has numerous coastal defense systems in place to protect against seaborne threats. The country is also a major global arms exporter, with China’s exports accounting for 5.3% of global arms export in 2016.
Finally, the PLA is actively involved in a number of international joint exercises and security operations. Such exercises include the Multilateral Exercise Initiative (MEI) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization joint exercises. The PLA is also part of UN-mandated security operations in Africa and the Middle East.
How China Uses its Army
The Chinese army is primarily employed for two different purposes: defense and offensive operations. The ground forces are primarily employed for defense operations, including defending against invading forces and deterring foreign threats. The air force and navy are mainly used for offensive operations, such as the swift movement of troops into foreign territory or the launching of airstrikes.
For defensive operations, the PLA relies on a highly effective network of coastal defense systems, air defense and air superiority systems, as well as ground troop deployments. The PLA is also heavily involved in counter-terrorism operations in militancy-infested areas, such as Afghanistan and Syria. Notable examples include the PLA’s deployment of personnel to Syria and its involvement in the fight against the so-called Islamic State.
The PLA is also highly active in joint exercises and non-combat operations. This includes participation in international maritime security operations, UN-mandated peacemaking missions, and the provision of medical and disaster relief support teams. The PLA also provides aid to friendly countries in the form of military training and technical support. The Chinese Navy is also known for its presence in the East and South China Seas, and routinely engages in joint drills with the navies of other countries.
International Standing
The PLA is one of the most formidable militaries in the world and its standing within the international community is largely positive. It is widely considered to be a major contributor to international peace and security, and is regularly invited to partake in multinational training, relief missions and peacekeeping operations. In addition, its advancing defense technology, cutting-edge weapons, and formidable nuclear deterrents make it an important player in foreign policy decisions made by countries worldwide.
However, the PLA is not without its critics. The organization has been accused of human rights abuses, and its operations in Tibet, East Turkestan and other sensitive regions have been met with significant condemnation. Furthermore, its involvement in regional conflicts, such as the South China Sea dispute and its support for authoritarian regimes has caused tension within the international community.
Overall, the PLA is one of the most powerful and respected military forces in the world, and its role as a global peacekeeper and power-broker cannot be overlooked. The size and sophistication of the Chinese Army make it a force to be reckoned with and one that will continue to shape international politics in the years to come.
Economic Aspects of the Chinese Army
The Chinese military budget has seen significant increases over the past few decades, growing from $10.7 billion in 1993 to $180 billion in 2020, making it the second-largest military budget in the world in 2020. This massive investment has allowed the Chinese military to rapidly modernize its forces, and Chinese defense spending constitutes roughly 20 percent of all global defense spending. However, the Chinese army’s budget still remains low compared to the U.S., which spends nearly five times more on defense than China.
The Chinese government has also taken measures to reduce its military expenditure, with the goal of allocating more money to social programs and economic development. It has also made efforts to streamline military operations and reduce the number of personnel, which is estimated to have fallen to 1.9 million active duty personnel in 2020. It is possible that the size of the PLA could decline even further in the years to come.
Nevertheless, the Chinese military remains one of the most powerful and technologically advanced forces in the world and is a key factor in many foreign policy decisions. While the economic cost of running and maintaining such a large force is considerable, the strategic advantages of possessing a strong and well-equipped military are clear, and China has demonstrated its commitment to remaining a major global power for years to come.
The Role of Technology in the Chinese Army
The PLA has made massive investments in the latest defense technology in order to maintain an edge over its rivals. This includes the development of next-generation weaponry, such as advanced drones, stealth fighters, and artificial intelligence-based missile systems. Additionally, China has advanced its naval forces, equipping them with advanced systems such as air-independent propulsion submarines and surface-to-air missiles. This has allowed the PLA to maintain a sizable naval presence in the South and East China Seas, as well as in the Indian Ocean.
The PLA has also exploited the use of cutting-edge technology for internal security purposes. This includes the implementation of facial recognition systems and a massive cyber-defense program. Additionally, the Chinese military is actively engaged in the development of new tech-based weapons, such as laser weapons, nanotechnology-based military systems, and intelligent defense networks.
The role of technology in the Chinese Army is clear: it is being used to significantly improve the PLA’s capabilities and to ensure China’s status as a global military power. In an increasingly tech-driven world, the PLA’s commitment to modernizing its forces is essential to defending its interests and ensuring its national security.
The Political Significance of the Chinese Army
The Chinese military plays a significant role in the country’s domestic and foreign politics. It is viewed by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CPC) as an integral part of the nation’s sovereignty and is assigned an important role in defending the nation’s interests. The political clout of the PLA is also evident from its numerous foreign visits, as well as its involvement in diplomatic activities.
Moreover, the PLA is widely perceived to occupy a role in Chinese politics beyond just being a military organization. This perception is strengthened upon considering the number of high ranking military officers who occupy important roles in the CPC and the Chinese government. In short, the PLA is an integral part of Chinese life, both domestically and abroad.
The PLA is an integral part of Chinese life and its influence has been felt across the globe. With its enormous size, technological prowess and formidable nuclear deterrent, the Chinese military remains one of the most powerful and respected forces in the world.
