China’s PLA Marks 98th Anniversary with Modernisation & Anti-Corruption Focus

Beijing, Aug 1 (PTI) - On Friday, China’s People's Liberation Army (PLA), celebrated its 98th anniversary, marking nearly a century of an institution that stands as the world’s largest and rapidly modernising military, uniquely operating under the Communist Party's command. Originally founded on August 1, 1927, the PLA commenced as the military arm of the Communist Party of China (CPC) during a resistance against Chiang Kai-shek, asserting that "the Party commands the gun" — a sentiment that continues to resonate under its successive leaders.

After assuming leadership in 2012, President Xi Jinping further entrenched the party's control over the PLA, emphasizing unyielding authority over military matters. Under Xi, the PLA's budget saw considerable increases, swelling to USD 250 billion, making China the second-largest defense spender globally after the US. However, this rapid expansion highlighted corruption issues within its ranks, a challenge for the sprawling military with over two million personnel.

President Xi's anti-corruption campaign, initiated in 2013, sought to cleanse the PLA’s hierarchy, resulting in numerous generals being purged, penalized, and dismissed. Among high-profile dismissals was Miao Hua, a significant figure overseeing PLA ideology, who was expelled from the Central Military Commission (CMC), which Xi heads. Miao's removal followed the earlier ousting of defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe.

He Weidong, the CMC's second vice-chairman and a Politburo member, hasn't been publicly seen since March's legislative session. Additionally, Vice Admiral Li Hanjun, the navy's chief of staff, faced expulsion from the national legislature, signifying looming disciplinary actions. Notably, at least 16 military lawmakers have been dismissed from the National People’s Congress (NPC). Under Xi's guidance, the PLA has undergone significant reforms to emerge as a streamlined, modern force.

A decade of transformation ordered by Xi, aiming to reconfigure military administrative and command structures for information-age warfare success, led to the reduction of troop numbers by 300,000. This historical reduction ensured army personnel constituted less than 50% of total forces for the first time, halved non-combat unit staffing, and reduced officer ranks by 30%, as reported by state-run Xinhua news agency.

Reform efforts have not only enabled the creation of new frontline units like combined arms brigades and aircraft carrier battle groups but also bolstered operational capabilities. The PLA transitioned from its longstanding land-centric military composition, evolving into a more agile, effectively organized entity.

The Chinese military command structure has become more streamlined, improving power projection efficiency. New units such as the e-Information Support Force and the Rocket Force replaced older structures, enhancing strategic reach. These developments will be highlighted during a military parade on September 3, commemorating the 80th anniversary of China's victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The parade, featuring cutting-edge conventional weapons alongside unmanned systems, underwater combat teams, and hypersonic arms, will underscore the PLA’s increasing prowess in integrating emerging technologies to adapt to evolving warfare dynamics, readying itself for future conflicts.

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