Military

The PLA (People’s Liberation Army) is the combined army, navy and air force of the People’s Republic of China in one unified force. It numbers a total of 7 million — the world’s largest standing army of 2.3 million, with a remaining vast reserve of veterans and militia. This figure has, however, been rationalized downwards since the 1980s, and reduced signifi cantly to allow for the funding of economic development. Nevertheless, China still calls on its youth between the ages of 18 and 22 to do two years’ national military service, with special dispensation for full-time students, but the latter nevertheless must also report for military training for several weeks a year. Since the 1980s the perceived threat of invasion from Russia has faded and the focus of possible military engagement has shifted from Taiwan (a decrease in the threat of a declaration of independence) to the Spratly Islands (to protect China’s claim to sovereignty over potential offshore oilfields). The national military strategy is now to be combat-ready for ‘local wars under high-tech conditions’, not massive ground fighting. China is happy to let the USA and EU nations focus on the Taliban, on Darfur, and on anti-insurgency. China can imitate these military techniques later. This change in military strategy has pushed the onus of delivery of a rapid response to danger and confrontation on to the navy and air force. Looking further ahead, the PLA is also preparing actively for cyber and space warfare.