Hard Slog Whipping the PLA into Shape

The Straits Times

10 September 2015

When China debuted an arsenal of new weapons at its recent World War II commemoration in Tiananmen Square, the world got a closer look at the country’s military might that was previously only speculated about.

The parade showcased some of China’s latest military hardware, with more than 80 per cent never seen in public before, including 40 types of ground-based weapons, 200 aircraft, and ballistic missiles.

But while the show of strength was meant to project China’s military might, it also belied the numerous weaknesses that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has, which are driving the Communist Party’s push to reform the military, analysts told The Straits Times.

… Besides integrating its forces, China also needs to relook its organisation, training and doctrine, said Dr Michael Raska, a research fellow at Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

He said the PLA’s strong hierarchical culture puts it at a disadvantage to the United States military, where lower-level officers are more empowered to make independent decisions.

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