The radical plan to turn China’s People’s Liberation Army into a modern fighting force
As infantrymen polish their buckles and honour guards practice their marches one final time, the stage is set for Thursday’s parade in Beijing to mark the end of the second world war.
Global leaders can expect a display of awe-inspiring power from the world’s largest army, which will be represented by 12,000 Chinese troops in 50 formations, nearly 200 aircraft, seven types of missiles and a dazzling array of hardware never before shown publicly.
Yet with all eyes on the pomp in Tiananmen Square, behind the scenes, China’s military is in flux. Several plans for reform have been suggested, but one obtained by the South China Morning Post from reform-minded officers envisages the most radical restructuring of the forces ever. The plans, aimed at turning the People’s Liberation Army into a modern fighting force fit for battle and capable of projecting power overseas, envisage overhauling outdated command structures, unifying the army, navy and air force along Western lines, and further consolidating the army’s military command regions, now seven, down to four.
READ MORE: INFOGRAPHIC: How one of the proposals breaks down
Such an overhaul is unlikely to be welcomed by all, given that it would involve cutting PLA and armed police personnel from 3 million to 2 million, promoting the role of the navy and air force at the expense of the army, and dispensing with command structures many officers have spent their lives climbing.
Yet keen observers say the commemorations, with their likely boost to morale and patriotism, give President Xi Jinping – who has already culled many of the corrupt military “tigers” standing in the way of reform – a springboard for change.
New command
The PLA’s nerve centre, the so-called four headquarters (General Staff, General Political Department, General Logistics Department and General Armaments Department) would be dissolved, with only the General Staff remaining. Functions of the other three departments would merge into the General Staff and Ministry of National Defence.