Undergoing radical transformation to increase its combat capability amid rising tensions over the disputed South China Sea (SCS), President Xi Jinping is pushing China’s 2.3 million-strong People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which turns 89 on Sunday to train hard to win wars as it expands its high tech arsenal.
Reorganised from top to bottom by Xi in the last four years, the PLA - the world’s largest army - is bracing for major showdowns in its increasingly volatile neighbourhood triggered by the international tribunal verdict quashing China’s expansive claims over the resource-rich SCS.
Reform is a comprehensive and revolutionary change, and obstacles and policy issues that may hold back reform measures must be addressed so as to build a strong armed forces commensurate with China’s international status, Xi has said as he consolidated his hold over the military to emerge as the most powerful Chinese leader in recent times.
Operating under the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) unlike other militaries which function directly under governments, the PLA now enjoys a whopping over USD 145 billion annual budget, next only to the US military with whom it looks set for a confrontation in the SCS.
Focusing his attention on the PLA the day he took power in 2013, Xi wanted the military to function under the command of the Party, increase its capability to win wars and operate in proper working style by weeding out corruption.
Over 40 top commanders including two retired military chiefs faced investigation for corruption, which became rampant in the PLA with allegations of generals selling ranks for hefty bribes.
Xi also carried out the biggest anti-corruption drive to cleanse the party, punishing thousands of officials, and stepped up the reorganisation of the PLA.