Background Information
The Chinese army, officially known as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), is the armed forces of the People’s Republic of China and is the world’s largest military force. It is currently composed of five service branches: the Ground Force, the Navy, the Air Force, the Rocket Force, and the Strategic Support Force. It is estimated that the Chinese army has close to two million active personnel and a reserve of more than 60 million. To some, the Chinese army is thought to be a strong and formidable fighting force, while others consider it to be a mismatched blend of aging and out-of-date equipment.
Relevant Data
Size-wise, the Chinese army is believed to be the second most powerful military in the world. In regards to modern equipment, the PLA possesses a range of modern and advanced weapons, such as the Dongfeng-21 and the J-20 fifth-generation fighter jets, as well as one of the world’s largest submarine and surface fleets. Furthermore, the Chinese army is equipped with long and intermediate-range ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons.
Expert Perspectives
Sources such as the Pentagon and military analysts have argued that the PLA has a significant disadvantage in terms of its quality of training and equipment. Critics also point out that the Chinese army has limited combat experience, and is not as capable as other large military powers. Indeed, the PLA is not considered to be a well-oiled fighting machine due to its large size and lack of strict standards for recruitment.
Furthermore, experts point out that the PLA still lacks some of the skills needed to succeed in the battlefield, such as coordination and command, experience operating outside of its borders, and morale-boosting tactics. Additionally, the Chinese army is thought to have a lack of reliance on autonomous units and has difficulty with logistics and air-support, both of which can be important in modern warfare.
Analysis and Insights
Taking into account the opinions of both experts and critics, it is safe to say that the Chinese army is not as powerful as some may think. Despite its size and modern equipment, the PLA does not have the same level of training and experience as some of its counterparts. This is especially true when it comes to modern warfare tactics, as the Chinese army still lacks some of the skills necessary to be successful in the battlefield.
The Chinese army is still relatively new when compared to other world powers, and the lack of combat experience on its part can be a major disadvantage if it ever comes to a conflict. Therefore, it is safe to say that the Chinese army is not as good as it may appear from the outside.
Aerospace
In terms of aerial capabilities, the Chinese army is known for its impressive fleet of fighter aircraft. The PLA operates several advanced planes such as the J-15, J-16 and J-20, which are all capable of engaging in air-to-air combat. The Chinese army also has the Shenyang FC-31, which is an advanced fifth-generation fighter aircraft designed to compete with the likes of the F-35. Furthermore, the PLA is known to possess a large reserve of surface-to-air missiles, which can be used to defend against enemy aircraft.
In terms of air combat, the Chinese army can be considered quite capable, however, its lack of experience is still a major disadvantage. The majority of Chinese pilots have little to no combat experience and thus, they may be less adept in air-to-air engagements when compared to the pilots of other countries.
Ground Force
When it comes to the ground force, the Chinese army is known to possess a large number of tanks and infantry carriers. The PLA currently operates several advanced tanks, such as the Type 99A2, which is considered to be one of the most capable and powerful tanks in the world. In terms of ground combat, the Chinese army is also known to possess a significant number of infantry, which can be used to engage in traditional ground combat.
However, the Chinese army is not without its disadvantages. It is known to lack some of the more advanced technology such as drones, which can be used to great effect in modern ground combat. Furthermore, the Chinese army is known to lack the experience needed to effectively use what technology it does possess, which may make it less effective in a conflict than some of its counterparts.
When it comes to naval power, the Chinese army can be considered quite capable. The PLA owns a large number of warships, including the advanced Type-056 corvette and Type-055 destroyer. The Chinese navy is also known to possess a large number of submarines, including the Shang and Yuan class vessels, which are thought to be some of the most advanced submarines in the world.
In terms of naval combat, the Chinese army has considerable experience and is believed to be quite capable. The Chinese navy is also known to be well-equipped when it comes to anti-ship missiles and torpedoes, which can be used to great effect in engagements against opposing fleets.
Strategic Capabilities
The Chinese army is known to possess a large number of ballistic missiles and long-range rockets. These weapons are considered to be the cornerstone of the Chinese military’s strategic capabilities, and can be used to strike at targets from far away. Furthermore, the Chinese army is also believed to possess nuclear weapons, which can be used for deterrence or aggression.
The effectiveness of the PLA’s strategic capabilities is still in question, as the Chinese army is believed to lack the experience necessary to effectively use them. Furthermore, the PLA also lacks the necessary experience needed to effectively coordinate and command its large force, which can be needed in modern warfare.
Cyber Capabilities
The Chinese army is believed to possess a significant cyber warfare capabilities. The PLA is known to have a large number of cyber experts and organizations, which can be used to engage in hybrid conflicts. Furthermore, the Chinese army is known to possess a range of advanced hacking tools, which can be used to great effect in the digital realm.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the Chinese army is still believed to lack the necessary experience and knowledge needed to effectively use its cyber warfare capabilities. Furthermore, the PLA is also believed to lack the necessary coordination needed to effectively manage and deploy its cyber forces.
Intelligence Gathering
The Chinese military is known to rely heavily on intelligence gathering for its operations. The PLA is known to possess a large number of spies, both domestically and abroad, who can be used to gather important intelligence that can be used to gain the upper hand in a conflict. Furthermore, the Chinese army is believed to have advanced surveillance and interception systems, which can be used to conduct reconnaissance on its adversaries.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the Chinese military is believed to lack the necessary experience and coordination needed to effectively use its intelligence gathering capabilities. Furthermore, the PLA is also known to have a lack of cyber security measures in place, which can be easily exploited by its adversaries.
