The Chinese Army is one of the most powerful forces in the world, with the largest standing army in the world. It is estimated that the Chinese army, referred to as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), consists of over 2 million active service personnel. The PLA consists of five branches; the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Rocket Force.
The Chinese Army is the largest component of the PLA and comprises over 1.6 million active personnel. It is structured into 18 active, land-based group armies and their ancillary units. All branches of the PLA are married under the control of the Central Military Commission and its Chairman, who is responsible for high level military strategy and direction. Each branch of the PLA is required to follow the instructions provided by the Chairman.
The Chinese Army has been building up its forces in order to expand its global influence and build up its presence in the South China Sea. China has been investing in modern warfare technology in order to be able to respond quickly and effectively to any potential threats. This has seen its military installations become more technologically advanced, and its arms provided with increased capacity.
In recent years, the Chinese Army has been increasingly leveraging its power for the purpose of geopolitical influence. This includes the establishment of large military bases in the South China Sea, building up troop presence in countries such as Africa and refining its relations with key allies such as North Korea.
With regards to its geographical scope, the Chinese Army has a formidable footprint with its troops located in different regions around the world. In addition to its land-based group armies there are approximately 50,000 troops stationed in various international outposts. These include countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Cambodia.
The Chinese Army is also responsible for various international peace-keeping operations, such as those in Syria, Yemen and the Democratic Republic of Congo. There are currently 6,000 Chinese peace-keepers deployed overseas under the supervision of the United Nations.
The Chinese Army has also developed a number of specialist capabilities such as cyber-warfare and information warfare, which have been utilised to great effect. The Chinese have also developed advanced electronic and electronic warfare capabilities, and consistently strive for greater military innovation.
Overall, the Chinese Army is amongst the most powerful standing armies in the world and has a number of specialist capabilities. It is estimated that the army consists of over 2 million active service personnel and its geographical scope is far-reaching. The Chinese Army has been expanding its power for purposes of geopolitical influence and is seen as a formidable force both regionally and globally.
Cost of the Chinese Army
China is considered as one of the biggest spenders on defense in the world, with a military expenditure of close to $246 billion in 2020. This is an increase of nearly 6% from 2019, and over the last 20 years, China’s military spending has been on the rise steadily. However, its spending per capita is still below countries such as the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Despite increased spending on arms, there is still a lack of transparency in the budgeting and reporting of the Chinese Army’s finances. Many analysts believe that the actual military budget may be higher than reported as a large portion of the budget is spent on payments for salaries, training and other administrative costs. In addition, many speculate that a considerable amount of the military’s budget is covered from other sources such as state-owned enterprises or local government funds.
The Chinese Army has also been criticised in recent years for its lack of military transparency and low levels of quality control. In addition, high costs and slow procurement procedures mean that the military can struggle to efficiently adapt to evolving threats. Despite this, the Chinese Army remains a formidable force, with a formidable budget behind it.
Equipment and Technology
The Chinese Army is renowned for its impressive array of high-tech equipment and cutting-edge technology. As a technologically advanced army, the Chinese have invested heavily in sophisticated weapons such as artillery, tanks, fighter jets and cyber-warfare capabilities.
The Chinese have also been making major investments into research and development, with the intention of keeping up with the most advanced military technology in the world. As a result, the PLA has been able to develop sophisticated weapons such as the Dongfeng-41 intercontinental ballistic missile and the J-20 fighter jet, which is designed to rival the United States’ F-35.
In addition, the Chinese have invested heavily in improving their information warfare and cyber capabilities. They have built up an extensive network of computer systems and networks to monitor and disrupt global communications. This is believed to be one of the main factors in China’s global power projection.
Overall, the Chinese Army has become one of the most technologically advanced in the world. It has managed to keep up with the most advanced military technology, and its vast budget allows it to access the latest equipment and technology.
Future of the Chinese Army
The Chinese Army is poised for further growth in the years ahead, particularly in terms of its international presence and influence. Many experts have predicted that the military will continue to expand its presence and reach, in an attempt to challenge the global balance of power.
The Chinese have been investing heavily in modernising their military capabilities and technology, as well as increasing their global footprint in recent years. This is due to the need to protect its strategic interests and expand its political influence. This has seen its troops deployed around the world and China forge close military ties with nations such as Russia, Iran and the UAE.
In the coming years, the Chinese Army is likely to continue to become ever more powerful, with advanced technology and huge amounts of military spending at its disposal. The PLA has the potential to become one of the most powerful forces in the world.
Rivalry with the US
At present, the Chinese Army is engaged in an ongoing rivalry with the US military, with both sides competing for regional and global supremacy. As a result, the two armies have clashed both through economic and military competition, with the South China Sea becoming a key flashpoint in recent years.
The US has accused the Chinese Army of engaging in aggressive and coercive behaviour in the region, while China has argued that the area is within their jurisdiction. As a result, the two sides have become embroiled in various military standoffs and naval confrontations in recent years, with the situation becoming increasingly tense.
It is expected that the rivalry between the US and the Chinese Army will remain in the foreseeable future and could possibly even escalate in the coming years. The US has shown little sign of backing down from its stance, while China’s determination to expand its influence continues to grow.
Impact on Global Security
The Chinese Army has the potential to significantly impact global security, particularly in terms of its military and geopolitical presence. In recent years, its capabilities have grown to such an extent that it can no longer be ignored as a major military force.
The Chinese Army is seen as a formidable force and its modernised military capabilities and increasing international presence has made it a dangerous rival to countries such as the US. Its sophisticated equipment and cyber capabilities have also increased its power, and it has become adept at using information warfare to its advantage.
Overall, the Chinese Army is one of the most powerful forces in the world and its increasing presence overseas has led to concerns over regional and global security. However, its actions remain largely contained to its geographical boundaries and it is yet to be seen how the Chinese Army will use its capabilities to further its own agenda in the years ahead.
