Xi Jinping promoted two senior military officers to the rank of full general (Shang Jiang), one of the highest ranks in the People's Liberation Army. The promotions reflect the Chinese leadership's continued emphasis on strengthening military leadership, modernization, and combat readiness amid evolving regional and global security challenges.

China's president Xi Jinping promotes two military officers to full General's rank

These forces are not just about manpower , they symbolise power projection, deterrence, and the enduring tensions that define Asia’s geopolitics.

The top 6 Asian countries with largest military forces

China has rolled out a series of amendments to its regulations on the People’s Liberation Army, emphasizing the importance of war readiness and overseas missions. Watch this report for more details!

China amends military regulations for war readiness

The US and its closest intelligence partners, Five Eyes are warning that China has intensified its campaign to recruit former Western military pilots and other service members to train its own military.

'Five Eyes' warn China is recruiting western military trainers

China has begun revising its National Defence Education Law which would require military training at universities, high schools and even middle schools. The proposed changes to the law also seek to improve Defence Education.

China: Mandatory Army training for children in school soon, move to nurture patriotic virtue | WION

As China continues to ramp up its rhetoric against Taiwan, it has released a new documentary featuring soldiers pledging to give up their lives if needed. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Chinese documentary showcasing ability to attack Taiwan

China is commemorating the 96th anniversary of founding the People's Liberation Army - August 1st is a national holiday in China. The purpose of the annual ceremony is to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices made by the nation's military services.

China celebrates 96th Army Day, Chinese Defence Minister General Li Shagfu addresses event

China is the country of counterfeits, but when it comes to weapon counterfeits doesn't work. This is why Beijing's global market share of arms is falling. The reasons are varied, its weapons are largely untested in combat.

China: Chinese arms exports decline despite loyal clientele

The Chinese military plans to introduce robot cooks and high-efficiency energy-saving stoves to reduce labour intensity even as it launched a drive to stop food waste and cultivate thrifty habits in the defence forces under the "clean plate" campaign launched by President Xi Jinping.

The two-million strong People's Liberation Army (PLA), the world's largest, would actively promote the application of new technologies including advanced cooking equipment such as high-efficiency energy-saving stoves, multipurpose steaming ovens and cooking robots, the PLA Daily reported on Thursday.

The above measures were aimed at improving the mechanisation and intelligence of meal making, reduce the labour intensity and energy consumption of cooking, it said.

Also the Logistic Support Department of China's Central Military Commission, the overall high command of the PLA, has recently made arrangements to stop food waste and cultivate thrifty habits in the military by promoting several reform measures to improve the troops' food management and production, and strengthened corresponding supervisions and inspections at the same time.

China last week officially launched a new version of “Clean Your Plate Campaign" flagged by President Xi, sparking speculation that the world's most populous country faces food crisis following COVID-19 pandemic.

"Different from the previous campaign, which was aimed at putting an end to officials' extravagant feasts and receptions, the 2.0 version calls for the public to stop wasting food,” official media reported last week.

The Chinese military plans to introduce robot cooks and high-efficiency energy-saving stoves to reduce labour intensity even as it launched a drive to stop food waste and cultivate thrifty habits in the defence forces under the "clean plate" campaign launched by President Xi Jinping.

The Chinese military plans to introduce robot cooks and high-efficiency energy-saving stoves to reduce labour intensity even as it launched a drive to stop food waste and cultivate thrifty habits in the defence forces under the "clean plate" campaign launched by President Xi Jinping. The two-million strong People's Liberation Army (PLA), the world's largest, would actively promote the application of new technologies including advanced cooking equipment such as high-efficiency energy-saving stoves, multipurpose steaming ovens and cooking robots, the PLA Daily reported on Thursday. The above measures were aimed at improving the mechanisation and intelligence of meal making, reduce the labour intensity and energy consumption of cooking, it said. Also the Logistic Support Department of China's Central Military Commission, the overall high command of the PLA, has recently made arrangements to stop food waste and cultivate thrifty habits in the military by promoting several reform measures to improve the troops' food management and production, and strengthened corresponding supervisions and inspections at the same time. China last week officially launched a new version of “Clean Your Plate Campaign" flagged by President Xi, sparking speculation that the world's most populous country faces food crisis following COVID-19 pandemic. "Different from the previous campaign, which was aimed at putting an end to officials' extravagant feasts and receptions, the 2.0 version calls for the public to stop wasting food,” official media reported last week.

Chinese military to introduce robot cooks, prevent food waste by troops

After tense border tensions between India-China, Chinese troops have started to pull back at certain locations at the LAC. The first images have emerged from Galway valley and have been taken near PP14.

WION Dispatch: Apache and MIG-29s pressed into action, First pictures released

IAF conducts massive night operations in Ladakh: First pictures from ground zero PP14

In the first signs of a pull back of Chinese troops along the disputed Line of Actual Control (LAC), Chinese troops have “shifted” two kilometres from the site of the June 15 violent clashes

Chinese troops begin withdrawal from Indian territory | India-China | WION News

WION Exclusive: Chinese troops pull back 2 km from Galwan clash site | Sources | India-China

The People's Liberation Army serves as an indoctrination tool of the Communist Party. Soldiers are forced to study communist writings to such a degree that they can recite them verbatim.

Every civilian is encouraged to emulate these soldiers by enrolling in the army. They are forced to undergo physically demanding recruit training.

But what happens if someone refuses? What happens if someone decides to quit the PLA?

The Chinese government makes sure to create trouble&nbsp;in their lives.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-happens-when-you-quit-the-pla-304658/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This is the story of a man called Zhang Moukang. He was a university student from China's southern Hainan province. He joined the Chinese army and within a month, he wanted to leave.&nbsp;

And this isn't a very old story, this happened in December 2019. The time when China was hiding the Wuhan virus.

So Zhang wanted to quit. What happened next is a matter of record. It has been documented on the official English website of the PLA. The Chinese army made an example out of Zhang.

He was subjected to eight different types of punishment. The punishments that every recruit planning to quit the army will face.

Let's list them out:&nbsp;

First, He will be branded as &nbsp;'seriously discreditable'.

They have such a list in China. The list of people who are 'seriously discreditable' in fulfilling national defence obligations. He will be banned from travelling abroad, purchasing real estate, from taking long-distance trains or buses, from even taking loans and insurance services.&nbsp;All of this will be for a period of two years.

Punishment number two, which will be for life. &nbsp;

He won't get a job as a civil servant. Not even a temporary assignment. He won't be recruited by government agencies or enterprises for life.

Punishment number three,&nbsp;

Your military service status will forever be changed to 'rejection of military service'.

In China, this translates into the life-long stigma. 
&nbsp; 
Fourth punishment, he can't go back to college. For two years, will be forbidden from re-entering college. So he can't resume your studies.&nbsp;

Fifth, no preferential treatment. That's something compulsory servicemen are entitled to. Those who quit, obviously don't get it.&nbsp;

Sixth, he will be fined. A fine of 4,000 dollars plus reimbursement to the military worth 3,750 dollars.&nbsp;

This is money he will have to pay for the costs incurred during your training. Even if he did not finish it.

Seventh, he can't start any business. Not for two years at least.&nbsp;

And finally, he will be publicly shamed. His actions will be publicized in a way that they reach the broader society.

Zhang's information and his punishment will be on television, newspapers and social media.

The PLA has publicly named and shamed several former soldiers in the past. Only a few forces can be said to be as Orwellian as the PLA.

An army that declares war against its own soldiers. There is no liberation from the people's liberation army.

The People's Liberation Army serves as an indoctrination tool of the Communist Party. Soldiers are forced to study communist writings to such a degree that they can recite them verbatim.

The People's Liberation Army serves as an indoctrination tool of the Communist Party. Soldiers are forced to study communist writings to such a degree that they can recite them verbatim. Every civilian is encouraged to emulate these soldiers by enrolling in the army. They are forced to undergo physically demanding recruit training. But what happens if someone refuses? What happens if someone decides to quit the PLA? The Chinese government makes sure to create trouble in their lives. This is the story of a man called Zhang Moukang. He was a university student from China's southern Hainan province. He joined the Chinese army and within a month, he wanted to leave. And this isn't a very old story, this happened in December 2019. The time when China was hiding the Wuhan virus. So Zhang wanted to quit. What happened next is a matter of record. It has been documented on the official English website of the PLA. The Chinese army made an example out of Zhang. He was subjected to eight different types of punishment. The punishments that every recruit planning to quit the army will face. Let's list them out: First, He will be branded as 'seriously discreditable'. They have such a list in China. The list of people who are 'seriously discreditable' in fulfilling national defence obligations. He will be banned from travelling abroad, purchasing real estate, from taking long-distance trains or buses, from even taking loans and insurance services. All of this will be for a period of two years. Punishment number two, which will be for life. He won't get a job as a civil servant. Not even a temporary assignment. He won't be recruited by government agencies or enterprises for life. Punishment number three, Your military service status will forever be changed to 'rejection of military service'. In China, this translates into the life-long stigma. Fourth punishment, he can't go back to college. For two years, will be forbidden from re-entering college. So he can't resume your studies. Fifth, no preferential treatment. That's something compulsory servicemen are entitled to. Those who quit, obviously don't get it. Sixth, he will be fined. A fine of 4,000 dollars plus reimbursement to the military worth 3,750 dollars. This is money he will have to pay for the costs incurred during your training. Even if he did not finish it. Seventh, he can't start any business. Not for two years at least. And finally, he will be publicly shamed. His actions will be publicized in a way that they reach the broader society. Zhang's information and his punishment will be on television, newspapers and social media. The PLA has publicly named and shamed several former soldiers in the past. Only a few forces can be said to be as Orwellian as the PLA. An army that declares war against its own soldiers. There is no liberation from the people's liberation army.

What happens if someone decides to quit the People's Liberation Army?

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) undertook a 'large scale manoeuvre' of troops and army vehicles

China conducts 'large scale manoeuvre' of soldiers and combat vehicles to border regions

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Sunday said that the United States can partner with several countries across the globe, including India, considering the threat posed by Chinese military capabilities.

"With respect to the Chinese Communist Party's military advances, they are real. General Secretary Xi is intent to build his military capabilities. Our Department of Defence is doing everything it can to make sure it understands this threat. And I am confident that under President Trump our Department of Defense, our military, our national security establishment will keep us in a position where we can protect the American people, and indeed we can be good partners with our allies from India, from Australia, from South Korea, from Japan, from Brazil, from Europe, all around the world," Pompeo told Fox News.

"We can be good partners alongside them and ensure that the next century remains a Western one modelled on the freedoms that we have here in the United States," he added.

Answering a question on recent border stand-off between India and China, Pompeo said, "the Chinese Communist Party has been on this effort, on this march, for an awfully long time. They'll certainly use a tactical situation on the ground to their advantage. But each of the problems that you identified there is threats that they have been making for an awfully long time."

Pompeo added, "For the first time, we have an administration that's prepared to actually respond to say this is unacceptable and to take responses that are measured, appropriate, but reflect the seriousness with which we take the obligation to protect the American people from these Chinese Communist Party efforts."

On 60 impending bills in US Congress relating to China, Pompeo responded, "I don't know which of those 60 will make it to the President's desk. I'm counting on the people of Congress. Your point about 60 is important. Many of these are bipartisan bills."

"...Last week there was one that had to do with the Uighurs in China. I would encourage the members of Congress to continue to study this issue, to work to help this administration do the things it needs to do to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from its advances and to keep the American people safe."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Sunday said that the United States can partner with several countries across the globe, including India, considering the threat posed by Chinese military capabilities.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Sunday said that the United States can partner with several countries across the globe, including India, considering the threat posed by Chinese military capabilities. "With respect to the Chinese Communist Party's military advances, they are real. General Secretary Xi is intent to build his military capabilities. Our Department of Defence is doing everything it can to make sure it understands this threat. And I am confident that under President Trump our Department of Defense, our military, our national security establishment will keep us in a position where we can protect the American people, and indeed we can be good partners with our allies from India, from Australia, from South Korea, from Japan, from Brazil, from Europe, all around the world," Pompeo told Fox News. "We can be good partners alongside them and ensure that the next century remains a Western one modelled on the freedoms that we have here in the United States," he added. Answering a question on recent border stand-off between India and China, Pompeo said, "the Chinese Communist Party has been on this effort, on this march, for an awfully long time. They'll certainly use a tactical situation on the ground to their advantage. But each of the problems that you identified there is threats that they have been making for an awfully long time." Pompeo added, "For the first time, we have an administration that's prepared to actually respond to say this is unacceptable and to take responses that are measured, appropriate, but reflect the seriousness with which we take the obligation to protect the American people from these Chinese Communist Party efforts." On 60 impending bills in US Congress relating to China, Pompeo responded, "I don't know which of those 60 will make it to the President's desk. I'm counting on the people of Congress. Your point about 60 is important. Many of these are bipartisan bills." "...Last week there was one that had to do with the Uighurs in China. I would encourage the members of Congress to continue to study this issue, to work to help this administration do the things it needs to do to prevent the Chinese Communist Party from its advances and to keep the American people safe." (With inputs from agencies)

US can partner with several countries including India in view of threat posed by China: Pompeo

The Chinese parliament is expected to pass the bill at a major political conference this week amid mounting global fears that Beijing could take full control of the city.

WION Dispatch: Chinese army issues warning to Hong Kong protesters

Here's Is What Happens If A Soldier Decides To Quit China's People's Liberation Army. #Gravitas #WIONGravitas #China #PLA

Gravitas: The exorbitant cost of quitting people's liberation army

Did China steal US F-35 fighter jet design to make J-20, FC-31?

China's People's Liberation Army in Hong Kong released a video showing footage of "anti-riot" exercises. Watch full video to know more.

China's army garrison in Hong Kong releases video with scenes of ánti-riot'operations

China's army will take action "at any cost" to foil attempts to separate the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, the country's defence minister said on Thursday.

Beijing has been infuriated by recent US sanctions on its military, one of a growing number of flashpoints in ties with Washington that include a bitter trade war, Taiwan and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea.

On Monday, the United States sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait in the second such operation this year and the latest in a series of gestures made by the White House in support of democratic Taiwan.

"The Taiwan issue is related to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and touches upon China's core interests," Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said at the opening of the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, which China styles as its answer to the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore.

"On this issue, it is extremely dangerous to repeatedly challenge China's bottom line. If someone tries to separate out Taiwan (from China), China's army will take the necessary actions at any cost."

China-Taiwan relations have deteriorated since the island's President Tsai Ing-wen, of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, swept to power in 2016.

Beijing, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, has also viewed US overtures toward the island with alarm, such as a new de facto embassy there and passage of a law to encourage visits by US officials.

China's military ties with the United States are important and sensitive, Wei said, adding that China will never give up an inch of its territory.

Beijing opposed displays of strength and provocation in the South China Sea by "nations from outside the region" carried out under the pretence of protecting freedom of flight and navigation, he added.

The world's two largest economies needed to deepen high-level ties so as to navigate tension and rein in the risk of inadvertent conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told his Chinese counterpart last week.

Mattis saw firsthand last month how mounting Sino-US friction can undermine military contacts, when Beijing upended plans for him to meet Wei in October.

China has been angered by the US sanctions on its military for buying weapons from Russia, and by what Beijing sees as stepped-up U.S. support for democratic Taiwan, which it claims as sacred territory.

China has also expressed concern after US President Donald Trump said Washington would withdraw from a landmark Cold War-era treaty that eliminated nuclear missiles from Europe because Russia was violating the pact.

China is not a party to that treaty, but Trump has also suggested Beijing's military strength played a role in his decision, which China has described as "completely wrong".

China's army will take action "at any cost" to foil attempts to separate the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, the country's defence minister said on Thursday.

China's army will take action "at any cost" to foil attempts to separate the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own, the country's defence minister said on Thursday. Beijing has been infuriated by recent US sanctions on its military, one of a growing number of flashpoints in ties with Washington that include a bitter trade war, Taiwan and China's increasingly muscular military posture in the South China Sea. On Monday, the United States sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait in the second such operation this year and the latest in a series of gestures made by the White House in support of democratic Taiwan. "The Taiwan issue is related to China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and touches upon China's core interests," Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said at the opening of the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, which China styles as its answer to the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore. "On this issue, it is extremely dangerous to repeatedly challenge China's bottom line. If someone tries to separate out Taiwan (from China), China's army will take the necessary actions at any cost." China-Taiwan relations have deteriorated since the island's President Tsai Ing-wen, of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, swept to power in 2016. Beijing, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, has also viewed US overtures toward the island with alarm, such as a new de facto embassy there and passage of a law to encourage visits by US officials. China's military ties with the United States are important and sensitive, Wei said, adding that China will never give up an inch of its territory. Beijing opposed displays of strength and provocation in the South China Sea by "nations from outside the region" carried out under the pretence of protecting freedom of flight and navigation, he added. The world's two largest economies needed to deepen high-level ties so as to navigate tension and rein in the risk of inadvertent conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told his Chinese counterpart last week. Mattis saw firsthand last month how mounting Sino-US friction can undermine military contacts, when Beijing upended plans for him to meet Wei in October. China has been angered by the US sanctions on its military for buying weapons from Russia, and by what Beijing sees as stepped-up U.S. support for democratic Taiwan, which it claims as sacred territory. China has also expressed concern after US President Donald Trump said Washington would withdraw from a landmark Cold War-era treaty that eliminated nuclear missiles from Europe because Russia was violating the pact. China is not a party to that treaty, but Trump has also suggested Beijing's military strength played a role in his decision, which China has described as "completely wrong".

China says army will act 'at any cost' to prevent Taiwan split

Till 1990, China&#39;s People&#39;s Liberation Army (PLA) was equipped by reverse-engineered Soviet-era weapons. But soon after the USSR was dissolved, Chinese leadership seriously started thinking about the development of their own systems. The country was recovering from economic crisis and there were enough funds for research and development of its military. This was the breaking point of PLA&#39;s modernisation. This is touching new dimensions after nearly 28 years.

Recently, Chinese PLA has evolved a new concept and doctrine in 2017 which says, &quot;The country should be prepared to be able to fight short duration, high intensity, information technology oriented regional wars with a clear emphasis on maritime military domination. It should have the ability to fight in a complex electromagnetic environment at greater distances from the mainland while using indigenously made equipment and weapons systems.&quot;

The entire concept of PLA modernisation is based upon this new doctrine. This is China&#39;s way of sending a strong message to global leaders, especially the United States, with a clear-cut strategy of global dominance and the same is being reflected in its every action over the last decade. China is investing heavily in the modernisation of its Air Force and Navy. A significant amount is also being spent on armed drones which can be used on land, in air or even in the sea. The Chinese strategy of maritime dominance by establishing string of pearls and dominance of Eurasia by its Belt and Road Initiative speak out the same.

The new modernisation phase started in 2015, soon after Xi Jinping took over. Though rare for a Chinese president to appear in public in military uniform, Xi did it on a number of occasions in 2017, sending a strong, sharp message to the world as well as its armed forces how serious China is about its military. Since the government is being run by a single party, there can&#39;t be any opposition to their acts and deeds and after the taking over of Xi, massive steps were taken to make PLA more lethal.

In 2015, he downsized the army and changed its command and control system. Since then, he is downsizing the army in number but enhancing their fighting abilities. The aim is to have a much more lethal, lean, faster and smart army supported by hi-tech devices. The money saved from downsizing was invested on technology development. China&#39;s defence allocation in the budget had been increasing significantly, almost at the rate of 6-7 per cent annually. In 2014, China allocated US $132 billion for defence; in 2015, the amount was increased to $141 billion and in 2016, to $147 billion. Most of this allocation is spent on modernisation of the military. Some agencies, however, claim that China&#39;s actual spend on defence is much higher than what is officially declared.

In addition to technological advancement, the other focus is increasing the mobility of the forces. In 1996, PLA has just less than 100 helicopters which was increased to 1000 in 2015. More than 400 transport aircraft have been added to its fleet in the similar time frame.

When we talk about how lethal and agile the forces are, Special Forces play a vital role. China invested in this too heavily. By 2000, they had just seven units of Special Operation Forces which are now more than double and their 15th unit is undergoing its raising in 2018.

Artillery plays an important role in any warfare and accordingly in 2016, PLA made major reshuffle and reorganisation exercise. They renamed its second artillery force as PLA rocket force and re-equipped it with long range rockets and missiles. The force comes directly under the command of Chinese Military Commission and is most lethal of all. This force has war machines like DF-31, DF-31A, DF-5, DF-26D, DF-26 and several other varieties of missiles in addition to the entire range of nuclear arsenal from the inventory of PLA.

Now over to maritime dominance. China has been striving to secure its communication lines in off-shore waters of Yellow Sea, East China Sea, South China Sea and Indian Ocean in the past. In the recent phase of modernisation, this concept has moved from off-shore protection to open water dominance. The Chinese footprints in dominating South China Sea and establishing string of pearls in Indian Ocean are speaking for itself. One of the reasons of the recent turmoil in Maldives is because of this strategy of China.

The development of submarines and sea vessels is also something that the world should pay attention to. Within a short time of 25 years, China commissioned over 10 nuclear submarines, 58 conventional submarines, one aircraft carrier, 62 Amphibious Assault Ships, 24 Destroyers, 38 Corvettes, 43 Frigates, 110 fast-moving missile boats, 15 mine recovery ships and 15 other auxiliary ships in its naval arm. In January 2017, they even commissioned a dedicated electronic warfare vessel of Navy which shows their technological advancement. Four more nuclear-powered aircraft carriers are sanctioned and work is going to start soon.

In case Air Force, over 900 fighter or multi-role aircraft have been added to the inventory within last 15 years and the Chinese UAV development system is in advanced stage. They have been able to make even unmanned submarines which are undergoing trials. They learnt from the Gulf War that there is a need to fight long distance, short and highly intense wars. So, they have integrated operations of their Air Force with aerospace program. On one hand they kept developing their Soviet-era weaponry, they did make serious efforts and came out with their own systems too.

At the national level, the emphasis on this modernisation is visible. In 2015, the Military Area Commands were regrouped into battle zone commands. Not only this, to ensure the control of Chinese Communist Party, all of them were put under the command of Chinese Military Commission (CMC) which is essentially made up of people from the Communist party. The CMC directly supervises the non-combat functions of these commands like logistics, supply etc.

It can be seen that China&#39;s military advancement is happening at a much faster pace than any other country. Its pace is unimaginably fast and expenditures are huge. This is an opportuity for India to introspect and analyse on a global platform.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

China's defence allocation in its budget as been steadily increasing at 607 per cent annually.

Till 1990, China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) was equipped by reverse-engineered Soviet-era weapons. But soon after the USSR was dissolved, Chinese leadership seriously started thinking about the development of their own systems. The country was recovering from economic crisis and there were enough funds for research and development of its military. This was the breaking point of PLA's modernisation. This is touching new dimensions after nearly 28 years. Recently, Chinese PLA has evolved a new concept and doctrine in 2017 which says, "The country should be prepared to be able to fight short duration, high intensity, information technology oriented regional wars with a clear emphasis on maritime military domination. It should have the ability to fight in a complex electromagnetic environment at greater distances from the mainland while using indigenously made equipment and weapons systems." The entire concept of PLA modernisation is based upon this new doctrine. This is China's way of sending a strong message to global leaders, especially the United States, with a clear-cut strategy of global dominance and the same is being reflected in its every action over the last decade. China is investing heavily in the modernisation of its Air Force and Navy. A significant amount is also being spent on armed drones which can be used on land, in air or even in the sea. The Chinese strategy of maritime dominance by establishing string of pearls and dominance of Eurasia by its Belt and Road Initiative speak out the same. The new modernisation phase started in 2015, soon after Xi Jinping took over. Though rare for a Chinese president to appear in public in military uniform, Xi did it on a number of occasions in 2017, sending a strong, sharp message to the world as well as its armed forces how serious China is about its military. Since the government is being run by a single party, there can't be any opposition to their acts and deeds and after the taking over of Xi, massive steps were taken to make PLA more lethal. In 2015, he downsized the army and changed its command and control system. Since then, he is downsizing the army in number but enhancing their fighting abilities. The aim is to have a much more lethal, lean, faster and smart army supported by hi-tech devices. The money saved from downsizing was invested on technology development. China's defence allocation in the budget had been increasing significantly, almost at the rate of 6-7 per cent annually. In 2014, China allocated US $132 billion for defence; in 2015, the amount was increased to $141 billion and in 2016, to $147 billion. Most of this allocation is spent on modernisation of the military. Some agencies, however, claim that China's actual spend on defence is much higher than what is officially declared. In addition to technological advancement, the other focus is increasing the mobility of the forces. In 1996, PLA has just less than 100 helicopters which was increased to 1000 in 2015. More than 400 transport aircraft have been added to its fleet in the similar time frame. When we talk about how lethal and agile the forces are, Special Forces play a vital role. China invested in this too heavily. By 2000, they had just seven units of Special Operation Forces which are now more than double and their 15th unit is undergoing its raising in 2018. Artillery plays an important role in any warfare and accordingly in 2016, PLA made major reshuffle and reorganisation exercise. They renamed its second artillery force as PLA rocket force and re-equipped it with long range rockets and missiles. The force comes directly under the command of Chinese Military Commission and is most lethal of all. This force has war machines like DF-31, DF-31A, DF-5, DF-26D, DF-26 and several other varieties of missiles in addition to the entire range of nuclear arsenal from the inventory of PLA. Now over to maritime dominance. China has been striving to secure its communication lines in off-shore waters of Yellow Sea, East China Sea, South China Sea and Indian Ocean in the past. In the recent phase of modernisation, this concept has moved from off-shore protection to open water dominance. The Chinese footprints in dominating South China Sea and establishing string of pearls in Indian Ocean are speaking for itself. One of the reasons of the recent turmoil in Maldives is because of this strategy of China. The development of submarines and sea vessels is also something that the world should pay attention to. Within a short time of 25 years, China commissioned over 10 nuclear submarines, 58 conventional submarines, one aircraft carrier, 62 Amphibious Assault Ships, 24 Destroyers, 38 Corvettes, 43 Frigates, 110 fast-moving missile boats, 15 mine recovery ships and 15 other auxiliary ships in its naval arm. In January 2017, they even commissioned a dedicated electronic warfare vessel of Navy which shows their technological advancement. Four more nuclear-powered aircraft carriers are sanctioned and work is going to start soon. In case Air Force, over 900 fighter or multi-role aircraft have been added to the inventory within last 15 years and the Chinese UAV development system is in advanced stage. They have been able to make even unmanned submarines which are undergoing trials. They learnt from the Gulf War that there is a need to fight long distance, short and highly intense wars. So, they have integrated operations of their Air Force with aerospace program. On one hand they kept developing their Soviet-era weaponry, they did make serious efforts and came out with their own systems too. At the national level, the emphasis on this modernisation is visible. In 2015, the Military Area Commands were regrouped into battle zone commands. Not only this, to ensure the control of Chinese Communist Party, all of them were put under the command of Chinese Military Commission (CMC) which is essentially made up of people from the Communist party. The CMC directly supervises the non-combat functions of these commands like logistics, supply etc. It can be seen that China's military advancement is happening at a much faster pace than any other country. Its pace is unimaginably fast and expenditures are huge. This is an opportuity for India to introspect and analyse on a global platform. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why the world should pay attention to Chinese military's modernisation

China&rsquo;s military on Friday said &ldquo;hostile forces&rdquo; seeking to spread online rumours about the ongoing reform of the Chinese army were having a damaging effect.&nbsp;

Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the 2.3 million-strong People&#39;s Liberation Army would lay off 300,000 soldiers,&nbsp;a 13 per cent reduction to the Chinese military.

The layoffs are part of broader reforms to modernise the military, moving away from the old Soviet-era command module and putting more emphasis on high-tech weapons such as stealth jets and anti-satellite missiles or space weapons.&nbsp;

&quot;The broad mass of the armed forces must clearly recognise that in the vast majority of these rumours there are online users unable to distinguish the truth, wantonly lost in fanciful thoughts and conjecture,&quot; the official People&#39;s Liberation Army Daily said via a newspaper story, Reuters reported.

&quot;But there are also no lack of certain hostile forces thinking of ways to try in vain to sow chaos in our reform process,&quot; it added.

&ldquo;These fanciful stories have attracted the attention of many soldiers, some of whom believe what they read,&rdquo; it said.&nbsp;

&quot;Some have been taken in, and worried about personal losses this has affected their work.&quot;

Soldiers have a responsibility not to believe the rumours and only get their news from official sources, the story added, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Chinese President Xi Jinping unexpectedly announced last September that he would cut 13 per cent of the military

China’s military on Friday said “hostile forces” seeking to spread online rumours about the ongoing reform of the Chinese army were having a damaging effect. Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the 2.3 million-strong People's Liberation Army would lay off 300,000 soldiers, a 13 per cent reduction to the Chinese military. The layoffs are part of broader reforms to modernise the military, moving away from the old Soviet-era command module and putting more emphasis on high-tech weapons such as stealth jets and anti-satellite missiles or space weapons. "The broad mass of the armed forces must clearly recognise that in the vast majority of these rumours there are online users unable to distinguish the truth, wantonly lost in fanciful thoughts and conjecture," the official People's Liberation Army Daily said via a newspaper story, Reuters reported. "But there are also no lack of certain hostile forces thinking of ways to try in vain to sow chaos in our reform process," it added. “These fanciful stories have attracted the attention of many soldiers, some of whom believe what they read,” it said. "Some have been taken in, and worried about personal losses this has affected their work." Soldiers have a responsibility not to believe the rumours and only get their news from official sources, the story added, Reuters reported. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

China to lay off 300,000 soldiers, replace with stealth jets, space weapons

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