By Daniel Robinson, Smartencyclopedia Collaborator*

Since Xi Jinping assumed leadership of China, the People’s Liberation Army Army (PLAA) has undergone a sweeping transformation aimed at creating a world-class military force capable of safeguarding China’s national security interests. Building on reforms initiated by Deng Xiaoping in the 1980s, Xi’s approach has introduced advanced military doctrine, improved structural efficiency, and integrated cutting-edge technology. This article delves into the key aspects of these modernisation efforts and assesses their implications for the PLAA’s combat capabilities, deployment strategies, and readiness to handle both domestic and international challenges.

Background: Xi’s Vision for the PLAA

Under Xi Jinping’s administration, the goal of the PLAA has shifted dramatically. Moving away from a traditional focus on regional defense, the PLAA now aims to protect China’s global interests and assert its influence in regions such as the South China Sea, Taiwan, and beyond. Intending to create a “world-class” military by 2049, Xi has implemented a series of reforms that touch nearly every aspect of the PLAA, from the composition and training of its forces to its equipment and deployment strategies.

The 2015 reorganization of China’s military regions into five theater army commands marked a major milestone in this transformation. The Tibet and Xinjiang military districts have also been reinforced to address security concerns in these strategically sensitive areas. Currently, the PLAA consists of 13 group armies, each structured as a combined-arms brigade with capacities in artillery, armored vehicles, air assault, and special operations. This restructured force underscores the PLAA’s shift towards enhanced combat readiness and rapid deployment in various operational theaters.

Strengthening Core Combat Capabilities: Key Equipment Upgrades

Since 2020, the PLAA has introduced next-generation equipment across all levels of its forces. Notably, the development of the QBZ-191 rifle series—intended to replace the QBZ-95-1 rifles—has offered the PLAA soldiers improved accuracy, adaptability, and a design better suited for diverse combat environments. This rifle is part of the broader Type 20 family, which also includes marksman rifles and submachine guns, tailored to meet modern combat requirements.

Another significant addition has been the Type 15 tank, specifically designed for high-altitude warfare. Unlike the older Type 96 and Type 99 tanks, the lightweight Type 15 is powered by a specialized engine that allows it to perform effectively in mountainous terrain. This tank’s deployment during the 2020 Sino-Indian border standoff underscored its value in safeguarding China’s western borders, especially in the Tibet and Xinjiang military districts. The advanced situational awareness capabilities of the Type 15 provide a distinct advantage in identifying potential threats, enhancing the PLAA’s effectiveness in securing strategically important territories.

Leveraging Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence

In alignment with its Military-Civil Fusion strategy, the PLAA has adopted several advanced technologies to bolster its combat efficiency and operational reach. Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and electronic warfare capabilities have been prioritized, reflecting China’s ambition to maintain a technological edge in warfare. In 2022, China developed an unmanned version of the Type 15 tank, designated the VT-5. This autonomous vehicle highlights the PLAA’s increasing focus on unmanned solutions to reduce the risks to personnel while extending its surveillance and strike capabilities.

Recent reports indicate that the PLAA is investing heavily in electronic warfare systems. Photographs from May 2024 revealed new electronic warfare systems mounted on the Dongfeng Mengshi CTL18A armored vehicles. These systems are designed to disrupt enemy communications, posing a significant challenge to adversaries in the increasingly networked modern battlefield. Additionally, a high-power microwave weapon developed in 2024 can neutralize drones, military aircraft, and satellites, marking a leap in the PLAA’s capabilities in electromagnetic warfare.

Enhancing Air Defense and A2AD Capabilities

A core component of the PLAA’s strategic posture involves anti-access/area denial (A2AD) measures aimed at deterring and countering potential adversaries. The deployment of Type 625 self-propelled anti-aircraft systems represents an important addition to the PLAA’s short-range air defense arsenal. This system combines a 25mm Gatling gun with surface-to-air missiles, offering versatility in countering a range of aerial threats, including drones and cruise missiles. The Type 625’s mobility and adaptability allow it to be deployed in various combat situations, underscoring the PLAA’s dedication to developing a robust defense against low-altitude threats.

Expanding the Role of UAVs and Robotics in Combat Scenarios

The PLAA has made significant strides in deploying unmanned aerial and ground vehicles, which are critical to enhancing its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. In recent years, the PLAA has actively used the Sharp Claw I unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) for reconnaissance and patrols, especially near sensitive areas like Taiwan. UAVs, such as the CH-4, have been stationed at Ngari Gunsa Airbase in Tibet, enabling sustained monitoring and operational readiness in the region.

In 2023, the PLAA took another leap forward by developing a drone swarm system capable of self-repair. Coupled with augmented reality (AR) systems for infantry, these new technologies allow soldiers to control multiple UAVs in real-time, enhancing situational awareness and enabling precision attacks. This integration of advanced technologies demonstrates the PLAA’s forward-thinking approach to utilizing unmanned systems in combat scenarios, thus reducing dependency on human personnel and mitigating casualties.

Restructuring and Optimising Personnel for Modern Warfare

A crucial part of the PLAA’s modernisation effort has been its reduction in personnel to create a more streamlined and mobile force. Between 2015 and 2023, the PLAA’s personnel numbers were reduced significantly, though resources were reallocated to bolster the capabilities of the PLA Navy and the PLA Rocket Force. This shift reflects China’s changing strategic priorities, particularly its focus on securing maritime interests and enhancing nuclear deterrence capabilities.

In line with these restructuring efforts, the PLAA has also prioritized the recruitment of college graduates with backgrounds in science and engineering. The focus on technical expertise aligns with China’s broader goals of informatising and intelligentising its armed forces. By 2023, over half of the PLA’s personnel held a college degree, underscoring the PLAA’s emphasis on building a technologically proficient force. Additionally, China’s shift to a biannual conscription system is intended to streamline recruitment and allow for more efficient personnel management, particularly in academic and technical roles.

Implications for Regional and Global Security

The PLAA’s modernisation efforts have far-reaching implications for regional and global security dynamics. By enhancing its combat capabilities and investing in cutting-edge technology, China aims to secure its borders and defend its expanding overseas interests. The PLAA’s focus on information dominance, as evidenced by its investment in electronic warfare and AI, suggests that China is preparing for a future where cyber and electronic operations are critical to warfare.

The deployment of modern tanks, UAVs, and anti-aircraft systems near contentious borders like the Ladakh region and the South China Sea signifies China’s readiness to assert its claims and protect its interests. Moreover, the integration of satellite constellations and quantum radar technology highlights China’s commitment to ISR capabilities, which could potentially challenge the military superiority of other global powers.

In conclusion, the modernisation of the PLAA under Xi Jinping represents a strategic shift from a traditional, regionally focused army to a more dynamic, technologically advanced force capable of operating across multiple domains. As China continues to pursue its military ambitions, the PLAA’s transformation will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the balance of power in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The global community will need to carefully monitor these developments, as the PLAA’s modernisation poses new challenges to regional stability and the broader international order.

References

• Allen, K., Blasko, D., & Corbett, J. (2020). The Chinese People’s Liberation Army in 2025. Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University. This comprehensive study covers China’s military modernization and strategic reforms.
• Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). (2022). Chinese Military Power Project. This project by CSIS provides extensive analysis on PLA modernization, organizational changes, and combat capabilities.
• Annual Report to Congress: Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China 2023. U.S. Department of Defense. This report details the PLA’s modernization efforts, including equipment upgrades, structural reforms, and strategic shifts under Xi Jinping.
• Saunders, P. C., Scobell, A., & Kamphausen, R. (2019). PLA Modernization and China’s Military Future. National Bureau of Asian Research. This source offers an in-depth look into the organizational changes within the PLA, including the shift to theater commands and the development of joint operations capabilities.
• International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). (2023). Military Balance 2023. IISS. This annual publication provides updated figures on PLA personnel and equipment, reflecting the reductions and investments made across different branches.
• Erickson, A., & Clarke, M. (2021). China’s Military Strategy and its Implications. Journal of Strategic Studies. This journal article examines the strategic implications of China’s military advancements, including the integration of emerging technologies and PLA’s emphasis on non-kinetic warfare.
• Kania, E. B. (2022). AI Weapons and China’s Military Modernization. War on the Rocks. This article highlights China’s focus on AI, unmanned systems, and the integration of advanced technology within the PLA.
• Fisher, R. D. (2023). China’s Military Modernization and Expansion in Asia. Asia-Pacific Review. This publication explores the regional impact of China’s military growth and strategic deployments, particularly about Taiwan and the South China Sea.

• Military-Civil Fusion Strategy, China’s Path to a World-Class Military. (2024). U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Report. This report provides insights into China’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy and its implications for defense advancements and intelligence operations.

*Daniel Robinson, a highly esteemed collaborator at Smartencyclopedia, specializing in the critical domains of national security, government affairs, country intelligence, military strategy, and intelligence operations. With an unwavering commitment to these fields, Daniel is a crucial asset to our platform.