Modernization of the Armed Forces of China
How are services being reformed? Xi has focused on making big structural changes. Among their most significant reforms are new joint theater commands, deep personnel cuts, and improvements in military-civilian collaboration. He is pushing to transform the PLA from a largely territorial force into a great maritime power. Army. The military is the largest service and was long considered the most important, but its prominence has waned as Beijing seeks to develop an integrated fighting force with world-class naval and air capabilities. As the other services expanded, the army was reduced to around 975,000 soldiers, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). Reforms have focused on streamlining its high-level command structure; creating smaller and more agile units; and empowerment of lower-level commanders. The army is also improving its weapons. Its Type 15 light tank, for example, entered service in 2018 and allows participation in ...