Chinese People's Liberation Army emblem. China's strategic strengths are clearly underestimated

As of 2016, 2,300,000 people served there. Over the past twenty years, China has become a serious player in the political and economic arena, so today major world powers are showing a particularly keen interest in the structure and principles of functioning of the armed forces of the People's Republic of China (the abbreviation for the People's Republic of China). Over the past two decades, the country has experienced a lot of unexpected leaps in economic, social and political terms; reforms have also affected the armed forces. Within a few years, an army was created, which today is considered the third most powerful in the world.

Story

It is worth noting that until now all data on the size, armament and structure of the PRC army varies. Some sources claim the unlimited power and aggressiveness of the Chinese authorities, the aggressive appetites of the Communist Party and the coming world war. More serious publications urge not to exaggerate the capabilities of the Celestial Empire and cite examples of numerous failures of Chinese troops in the past.

The PRC Army was created on August 1, 1927 during the Civil War, when the Communists defeated the Kuomintang regime. It received its modern name - the National Liberation Army (PLA) - a little later, after the Second World War. In 1946, only two military units were called this way, and only since 1949 did the definition begin to be used in relation to all the Armed Forces of the People's Republic of China.

It is interesting that the army is not subordinate to the party, but belongs to two military Central Commissions - the state and the party. They are usually considered a single whole and the common name CVC is used. The post of head of the Central Military Commission is very important in the state; for example, in the 80s of the 20th century it was held by the person who actually led the country.

Service

As of 2017, the size of the Chinese army has decreased slightly from 2.6 million people to 2.3 million, and this is a deliberate policy of the PRC authorities to optimize and improve military forces; they plan to continue the reduction further. But even despite the decline in numbers, the PLA remains the largest in the world.

According to Chinese law, citizens over 18 years of age are subject to conscription; after serving, they remain in the reserves for up to 50 years. There have been no conscriptions in the country for a long time in the usual sense of the word; every year hundreds of thousands of volunteers join the army of their own free will or are recruited. The age composition of China's population allows this, since the majority of the country's residents are between 15 and 60 years old.

Service here is considered a very prestigious occupation, because very strict requirements are imposed on soldiers and officers, and all disciplinary violations are seriously punished. Today, long-term service has been abolished, and instead it is practiced for a period of 3 to 30 years. Conscripts are required to repay their debt to their homeland within two years.

Interestingly, people with tattoos cannot serve in the Chinese armed forces; according to the leadership, such frivolity spoils the image of the most powerful army. There is also an official directive against serving those who snore or are obese.

Structure

Despite the fact that the PRC army is under strict control of the Communist Party, ideological influence on the military has recently decreased somewhat. The Central Military Council, unlike our Ministry of Defense, has much more powers; in fact, all control comes from there, and not from the party chairman. The 2016 reform slightly changed the control structure; now there are fifteen departments, each of which supervises a separate area and is subordinate to the Central Election Commission in everything.

Before the changes a year ago, the PRC army consisted of seven districts, but since 2016 they have been replaced by five military command zones, this system is organized based on the territorial principle:

1. Northern zone, the headquarters is considered to be the city of Shenya, four army groups must here resist aggression from Mongolia, Russia, Japan and North Korea.
2. Southern Zone: Headquartered in the city of Guangzhou, it includes three army groups that control the borders with Laos and Vietnam.
3. Western Zone: Headquartered in Chengdu, located in the central region of the country, its responsibilities include ensuring security near Tibet and Xinjiang, as well as preventing possible threats from India.
4. Eastern Zone: Headquarters in Nanjing, controls the border with Taiwan.

The PRC army (the decoding of the abbreviation was indicated above) consists of five groups of troops: ground, air force, navy, missile forces, and also in 2016 a new branch of the military appeared - strategic troops.

Ground Army

The country's government annually spends from 50 to 80 billion dollars on defense; only the United States has a larger budget. The main reforms are aimed at optimizing the structure of the army and transforming it in accordance with the requirements of the modern geopolitical balance of power.

The ground forces of the People's Republic of China are the largest in the world, with approximately 1.6 million personnel. The government plans to significantly reduce this particular branch of the military. If previously the armed forces of the PRC had the form of divisions, then after the 2016 reform a brigade structure is expected.

The armament of the ground forces includes several thousand tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, howitzers and other types of ground weapons. However, the main problem of the army is that most of the paramilitary equipment is physically and morally outdated. The 2016 reform was aimed at modifying military weapons of different levels.

Air Force

The Chinese Army Air Force ranks third in the world; in terms of the number of military equipment it operates (4 thousand), China is second only to the United States and Russia. In addition to combat and related aircraft, the country's armed forces have just over a hundred helicopters, a thousand anti-aircraft guns and about 500 radar posts. The personnel of the Chinese Air Force, according to some sources, is 360 thousand people, according to others - 390 thousand.

The PRC traces its history back to the late 40s. XX century, and at first the Chinese flew Soviet-made aircraft. Later, the country's authorities tried to start producing their own aircraft, simply copying models based on drawings from the USSR or the USA. Today, the construction of new aircraft, including unique fighters, is in full swing; China plans not only to arm its own army, but also to supply equipment to other countries.

There are more than four hundred military airfields in China, which can accommodate many more pieces of equipment than currently exist. The Chinese Air Force includes several types of troops: aviation, fighter, bomber, attack, transport, reconnaissance, anti-aircraft, radio and airborne.

Naval forces

The People's Liberation Army of China includes three navies: the South, North and East Sea. Moreover, active growth of forces in this direction has been noted only since 1990; until that time, the country’s government did not invest much in its naval forces. But since 2013, when the head of the PLA announced that the main threat to Chinese borders comes precisely from the sea, a new era of the formation of a modern and well-equipped fleet has begun.

Today, the Chinese Navy includes surface ships, submarines, one destroyer with naval aviation, as well as about 230 thousand personnel.

Other troops

In the Chinese army, missile forces received official status only in 2016. These units are the most classified; information about weapons still remains a secret. Thus, the number of nuclear warheads raises many questions on the part of the United States and Russia. According to various estimates, the figures range from 100 to 650 charges, some experts call several thousand. The main task of the missile forces is to counter possible nuclear strikes, as well as to practice targeted strikes against previously known targets.

In addition to the main branches, since 2016 the Chinese army has included a special department dedicated to electronic warfare and countering cyber attacks. Strategic support troops, according to some sources, were created not only to counter information attacks, but also to conduct reconnaissance operations, including on the Internet.

Armed police

According to recent estimates, the size of the Chinese army was more than 2 million people, and almost half of them are part of the internal troops of the PRC. The People's Armed Militia consists of the following units:

• internal security;
• protection of forests, transport, border troops;
• protection of gold reserves;
• public security troops;
• fire departments.

The responsibilities of the armed police include guarding important government facilities, fighting terrorists, and during war they will be called upon to assist the main army.

Conducting exercises

The first large-scale exercises of the modern army of the PRC took place in 1999 and 2001; they were aimed at practicing a landing on the coast of Taiwan; China has long been engaged in acute territorial disputes with this country. The maneuvers of 2006 are considered the most successful, when troops from two military districts were deployed over a thousand kilometers, which proved the high maneuverability of Chinese troops.

Three years later, in 2009, even larger large-scale tactical exercises took place, where 4 of the 7 military districts were involved. The main task was to practice joint actions of all types of army using modern military equipment, aviation and naval forces. Every demonstration of China's military is watched by the whole world, and over the past twenty years the PLA has become a serious threat.

Military successes

The former achievements of the PRC army do not impress with great victories and strategic successes. Even in ancient times, China was conquered more than once by the Mongols, Tanguns, Manchurians and Japanese. During the years of the Korean War, the PRC lost tens of thousands of soldiers and did not achieve significant victories. Just as during the conflict with the USSR over Damansky Island, Chinese losses far exceeded those of the enemy. The PLA achieved its greatest success only during the Civil War, when it was formed.

The People's Liberation Army of China received a new round of development only twenty years ago, when the poor equipment and untrained personnel were finally realized by the government and all measures were taken to reform the troops. The first steps were taken towards reducing the size of the army, in order to remove units of troops not directly involved in the defense. Now the main emphasis is on technical equipment and retraining of personnel.

Reforms

Over the past few years, the People's Republic of China has made a huge leap in the rearmament of the country, the likes of which have never been seen in world history. A powerful military infrastructure was created practically from scratch using the latest modern technologies. Today, China annually produces up to 300 aircraft, dozens of submarines and much more. According to the latest data, equipping the PLA is progressing much faster than even NATO.

In 2015, the country demonstrated its military achievements to the whole world at a parade dedicated to the seventieth anniversary of the end of World War II. Unmanned aerial vehicles, landing vehicles and anti-aircraft systems were presented here. The public continues to accuse China of directly copying the military equipment of other countries. Thus, the PLA is still armed with analogues of Russian SU.

Women have served in the Chinese army since the formation of the PLA, but mainly occupy positions in medical or information departments. Since the 50s, the fair half began to try themselves in aviation and the navy, and recently a woman even became the captain of a hospital ship.

Over the past sixty years, the insignia of the PRC army has constantly changed, once this system was even abolished and was restored only in the 80s of the twentieth century. The modern structure of military ranks was adopted in 2009, according to it, the following categories are distinguished:

• general;
• Lieutenant General;
• Major General;
• senior colonel;
• colonel;
• lieutenant colonel;
• major;
• senior lieutenant;
• lieutenant;
• junior lieutenant;
• sergeant major of the first, second, third and fourth category;
• senior sergeant;
• sergeant;
• corporal;
• private.

As can be seen from the list, the rank system is very similar to the traditions of the Soviet armed forces. The modern uniform of the Chinese army was first introduced in 2007, and almost a million dollars were allocated for its development. The emphasis was placed on practicality and versatility, as well as on the beauty and presentability of Chinese military personnel.

Possible aggression

All countries are now watching very closely the increased power of the People's Republic of China, over the past twenty years the country has made huge leaps in all directions. Today, the prefix “most” is applied to the Celestial Empire almost everywhere: the largest number of people, the largest economy, the most communist country and the largest army.

Of course, such militarization of China suggests possible aggression on the part of this state. Experts disagree. Some are of the opinion that the PRC has always had a problem of overpopulation, and in the future, perhaps, the party will decide to conquer new lands. The lack of territory is also accompanied by serious pollution of nature; in some regions the environmental issue is especially acute (for example, in Beijing and Seoul). Some Russian politicians note the suspicious activity of the Chinese army near the borders with Russia, to which Putin unequivocally replied that he does not consider the PRC a threat to our country.

Other experts argue the opposite, that the Communist Party's actions are dictated by protective measures. In the modern international situation, each country must be as prepared as possible for external aggression. For example, China does not like NATO’s activity in the Pacific Ocean and North Korea. Another issue that has long been relevant in the PRC is the annexation of Taiwan; the island has been resisting communist expansion for several decades. But the party is in no hurry to resort to armed intervention; economic influence on other countries is becoming much more effective.

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中国人民解放军
Base	August 1, 1927 (Nanchang Uprising)
Branch of the military	Ground forces Navy Air Force Rocket Forces
Subordination	The Central Military Council of the CPC and the Central Military Council of the People's Republic of China (completely identical in composition)
Managers
Leaders of the military council	Chairman of the Central Military Commission (since 2012 - Xi Jinping) Deputy Chairman of the Central Military Commission - Fan Changlong Deputy Chairman of the Central Military Commission - Xu Qiliang
Minister of National Defense	Chang Wanquan
Chief of the General Staff	Fan Fenghui
Website

Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA)(中国人民解放军, Zhōnggúo Rénmín Jiěfàng Jūn, Zhongguo Renmin Jiefang Jun) - armed forces of the PRC and the Communist Party of China, the largest army in the world (about 2.3 million soldiers). August 1 is celebrated annually as Army Day, in memory of the Nanchang Uprising on August 1, 1927. The PLA consists of five branches of the military: the Ground Forces, the Navy, the Air Force, the Rocket Forces and the Strategic Support Forces.

According to the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, the People's Liberation Army was created by the Communist Party of China and is subordinate to it. The Chinese army is subordinate to the Central Military Councils of the CPC and the PRC; the powers between them are not delimited, but in fact they completely coincide in composition, so this is not required. The Commander-in-Chief of the army is the Chairman of the Central Military Commission, a position usually held by the Chairman of the People's Republic of China and the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China. The Ministry of National Defense, operating under the State Council of the People's Republic of China, has much less influence on the army; its main role is communication with foreign armed forces.

Military service is compulsory by law, in fact it is selective due to the huge number of recruits. During a national emergency, the People's Armed Militia and the People's Liberation Army Militia act as army reserves.

Story

Founding and Second Sino-Japanese War

The founding day of the People's Liberation Army of China is August 1, 1927. On this day, in response to the Shanghai massacre of communists by Chiang Kai-shek, pro-communist troops under the command of Zhu De, He Long, Ye Jianying and Zhou Enlai rebelled. These units carried out the Nanchang Uprising and became known as the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, or simply the Red Army. The Red Army took part in the Civil War against the Kuomintang Party. Between 1934 and 1935, the Red Army fought several defensive battles against the Kuomintang led by Chiang Kai-shek, and, having completed the Long March, went to northern China.

During the Second Sino-Japanese War of 1937-1945, the Communists concluded a truce with the Kuomintang, and the Red Army formally became part of the People's Revolutionary Army of the Kuomintang, making up the 8th and 4th New Armies. Throughout the war, the Red Army almost never entered into major direct battles, using guerrilla tactics. Through the transfer of Kuomintang troops and the recruitment of recruits in the liberated areas, the Red Army quickly grew in number. After defeating the Japanese in 1945, the two armies were merged to form the People's Liberation Army of China. During the second stage of the Civil War, the Communists defeated Chiang Kai-shek's troops and founded the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949. In November 1949, the first major reorganization of the PLA took place, and the Air Force was created. In April 1950, the Navy was created. Also in 1950, the leadership structures of artillery, armored forces, air defense forces, public security forces and workers' and peasants' militia were created. Later, chemical defense troops, railway troops, signal troops, the Second Artillery Corps, and others were created.

People's Republic of China and the Cultural Revolution

During the 1950s, with help from the Soviet Union, the PLA transformed itself from a peasant army into a modern one. Part of this process was the creation of thirteen military districts in 1955. The PLA included entirely many units of the People's Revolutionary Army of the Kuomintang, as well as Muslim military leaders from the West of the country. In October 1950, the PLA carried out the Tibet campaign, and, having defeated the Tibetan army during the Chamdo operation, annexed Tibet to the PRC. In November 1950, some units of the PLA, collectively called the People's Volunteer Army, entered the Korean War when UN troops under the command of Douglas MacArthur approached the border Yalu River. The Chinese army was able to drive the Americans out of North Korea, capture Seoul and pin UN troops to the sea, but the army was subsequently pushed back to the 38th parallel. In 1962, the PLA participated in the Sino-Indian Border War, and, having achieved all its objectives, retained the Aksai Chin region for China.

Before the outbreak of the Cultural Revolution, as a rule, commanders of military districts remained in office for a long time. As the military's influence grew, it came to be seen as a threat to the party's control of the military. During the Cultural Revolution there was a massive change of leadership. One of the Four Modernizations announced by Zhou Enlai in 1978 was the modernization of the armed forces. During it, the army was reduced and its supply with modern equipment was improved. In 1979, the Sino-Vietnamese border war took place, both sides declared victory.

From modernization of the 1980s to the present

In 1980, China significantly reduced its military to free up resources and use them for faster economic growth. Reform and modernization of the army became the main goal of the PLA. The issues facing the Chinese leadership are the army's loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party and its participation in non-military economic activities.

Since the 1980s, the Chinese People's Liberation Army has undergone significant transformation. Before that, it was mainly land, since the main military threat to China was an attack by the Soviet Union from the north. In the 1980s, the threat from the USSR waned, with US-backed independent Taiwan and the South China Sea conflict over control of the Spratly Islands becoming the focal points. The appearance of the army changes from a massive use of infantry to a small, well-equipped, highly mobile formations, an air force and a powerful navy. Deng Xiaoping emphasized that the PLA should focus more on quality rather than quantity. In 1985, the army was reduced by a million people, and in 1997 by another half a million.

The PRC carefully monitors world military conflicts and takes into account the experience of innovations. The PLA is no longer preparing for large-scale ground operations, but is improving to participate in high-tech local conflicts, perhaps far beyond the borders of China. Increasing attention is being paid to mobility, intelligence, information and cyber warfare. The PLA is adopting imported weapons from Russia - Sovremenny class destroyers, Su-27 and Su-30 aircraft, S-300 anti-aircraft systems, as well as numerous models of its own production - Jian-10 fighters, Jin class submarines, Liaoning aircraft carrier, Type tanks -99 and many others.

Modern peacekeeping operations

China is a significant member of the UN, and sends PLA units to participate in peacekeeping operations conducted by the UN. Chinese troops were deployed in Lebanon, the Republic of Congo, Sudan, Ivory Coast, Haiti, Mali and South Sudan. PLA Navy ships are participating in an anti-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia.

Conflicts involving the PLA

• 1927-1950 - Civil war in China, against the Kuomintang party.
• 1937-1945 - Sino-Japanese War, since 1941 part of the Second World War.
• 1949 - Yangtze Incident, conflict with British ships on the Yangtze River.
• 1950-1953 - Korean War, under the banner of the People's Volunteer Army.
• 1954-1955 - First crisis in the Taiwan Strait.
• 1958 - Second Taiwan Strait Crisis.
• 1962 - Sino-Indian Border War.
• 1967 - Sino-Indian border incident.
• 1965-1970 - Vietnam War.
• 1969-1978 - Soviet-Chinese border conflicts.
• 1974 - Battle of the Paracel Islands with South Vietnam.
• 1979 - Sino-Vietnamese War.
• 1995-1996 - Third crisis in the Taiwan Strait.
• Since 2009 - anti-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia.

Organization

National Military Command

The state system of the PRC provides for the principle of absolute leadership of the Communist Party of China over the country's armed forces. According to the country's official documents, it is the Communist Party that is the founder of the PLA. At each level of army organization there are Communist Party committees, at the division level and above - party commissars and other party organizations.

The army is governed by two Central Military Councils - the Central Military Council of the People's Republic of China and the Central Military Council of the CPC. The laws do not specify the division of functions between them, but this is not required, since they are completely identical in composition. The compositions differ only once every five years for a few months, when there is a change in the country's leadership: first, at the All-China Congress of the CPC, the Central Military Commission of the CPC is appointed, and a few months later, at the National People's Congress, the Central Military Commission of the PRC is appointed. The Central Military Council consists of a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, and Council Members. The Chairman of the People's Republic of China and the General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee are appointed as the Chairman of the Central Military Commission. The remaining members of the Central Military Council are career military personnel. Unlike most other countries, the Minister of National Defense has few powers, but is usually appointed as one of the vice-chairmen or members of the Central Military Commission.

Central authorities

On January 11, 2016, a reform of the PLA management system was carried out. The previous four headquarters were dissolved, and in their place 15 departments, bureaus and councils were formed, directly reporting and appointed by the Central Military Council.

1. Administrative Department (办公厅).
2. Joint Headquarters (联合参谋部).
3. Political Work Bureau (政治工作部).
4. Logistics Bureau (后勤保障部).
5. Equipment Development Bureau (装备发展部).
6. Training Management Bureau (训练管理部).
7. National Defense Mobilization Bureau (国防动员部).
8. Discipline Inspection Commission (纪律检查委员会).
9. Political and Legislative Affairs Commission (政法委员会).
10. Science and Technology Commission (科学技术委员会).
11. Strategic Planning Department (战略规划办公室).
12. Office of Reform and Organization (改革和编制办公室).
13. Directorate of International Military Cooperation (国际军事合作办公室).
14. Audit Department (审计署).
15. Central Office Management Bureau (机关事务管理总局).

Branch of the military

The PLA reform of early 2016 affected the branches of the military. From now on, the PLA includes five branches of the military: the Ground Forces, the Navy, the Air Force, the Rocket Forces and the Strategic Support Forces. The ratio between the branches of the military is changing: the latest reduction in the number of PLA forces by 300 thousand people will primarily affect non-combat units of the ground forces, and the freed up funds will be used to strengthen the fleet and aviation. In addition to the five branches of the military, the PLA is supported by two paramilitary organizations: the People's Armed Militia and the PLA Militia.

Ground forces

China has the world's largest ground force, currently more than 1.6 million strong. Ground forces are divided among five Combat Command Areas. During mobilization, Ground Forces can be reinforced with reserves and paramilitary forces. The reserves of the Ground Forces amount to about 500 thousand people, divided into 30 infantry and 12 anti-aircraft divisions. At least 40 percent of the ground forces are mechanized and armored.

While the infantry component of the Ground Forces is declining, the knowledge-intensive elements are increasing. These include Special Forces, Army Aviation, Air Defense, Electronic Warfare, Drones, Precision Tactical Missiles, Navigation and Satellite Communications, and Mobile Command and Control Centers.

Navy

Until the early 1990s, the Navy performed a secondary function in relation to the Ground Forces. Since then, it began to rapidly modernize. The number of personnel is 255 thousand people, united in three fleets: the North Sea Fleet with headquarters in Qingdao, the East Sea Fleet with headquarters in Ningbo and the South Sea Fleet with headquarters in Zhanjiang. Each fleet consists of surface ships, submarines, naval aviation, marines and coastal defense units.

The Navy includes a Marine Corps of 10 thousand people, organized in two brigades, naval aviation of 26 thousand people, armed with several hundred airplanes and helicopters, as well as coastal defense units of 25 thousand people. As part of modernization, new ships are being built that are capable of performing tasks in any part of the World Ocean.

Air Force

The 398,000-strong PLA Air Force is organized into 24 air divisions and divided among five Combat Command Zones. The largest unit is the air division, which consists of two or three air regiments, each with from 20 to 36 aircraft. Anti-aircraft installations are formed into anti-aircraft divisions and brigades. In addition, the Air Force has three Airborne Divisions.

Rocket Forces

Until 2016, the Missile Forces were called the Second Artillery Corps, and after that they became a separate branch of the military. The Missile Forces include strategic missiles with conventional and nuclear warheads. China's total nuclear weapons stockpile is estimated to be between 100 and 400 warheads. The number of personnel is about 100 thousand people, divided into six missile divisions, and from 15 to 20 missile brigades.

Strategic Support Troops

Strategic support troops are a new branch of the military; they appeared only on December 31, 2015. There is very little open information about them, they include reconnaissance, navigation, space warfare, cyber warfare, information warfare and other high-tech methods of achieving local superiority.

Combat Command Zones

From 1985 to 2016, the territorial divisions of the PLA were seven military regions. On February 1, 2016, they were converted into five combat command zones. The leadership of the combat command zones reports directly to the Central Military Council and controls under its command all ground, air, sea and auxiliary troops in the territory under its control, ensuring closer interaction between the military branches.

Eastern Combat Command Zone

It is located in the East of the country and is focused on capturing Taiwan in the event of a military solution to the Taiwan crisis. Occupies the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Anhui and the city of Shanghai. The headquarters of the zone's unified command is located in Nanjing, the headquarters of the ground forces is in Fuzhou, and the headquarters of the East Sea Fleet is in Ningbo. Includes the 1st, 12th and 31st armies, the East Sea Fleet, the Fujian Provincial Military Region, the Shanghai garrison, district units and provincial reserve units.

Southern Combat Command Zone

It is located in the South and Southeast of the country and is focused on Vietnam, Indochina and resolving the conflict in the South China Sea, and is also a reserve for the eastern zone. It occupies the provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Hainan and the special regions of Hong Kong and Macau. The headquarters of the unified command is located in Guangzhou, the headquarters of the ground forces is in Nanning, and the headquarters of the South Sea Fleet is in Zhanjiang. Includes the 14th, 41st and 42nd armies, the South Sea Fleet, the Hainan Provincial Military Region, the garrisons of Hong Kong and Macau, district units and provincial reserve units.

Western Combat Command Zone

Located in Western China and focused on India, Central Asia and Mongolia. It occupies the provinces of Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, the autonomous regions of Xinjiang, Tibet and Ningxia, as well as the city of Chongqing. The headquarters of the unified command is located in Chengdu, the headquarters of the ground forces is in Lanzhou. Includes the 13th, 21st and 47th armies, Xinjiang and Tibet provincial military districts with special status, district units and provincial reserve units.

Northern Combat Command Zone

It is located in the North and Northeast of China and is focused on Mongolia, Russia and the Korean Peninsula, as well as Japan. It occupies the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Shandong and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The headquarters of the unified command is located in Shenyang, the headquarters of the ground forces is in Jinan, and the headquarters of the North Sea Fleet is in Qingdao. Includes the 16th, 26th, 39th and 40th armies, the North Sea Fleet, the provincial military district of Inner Mongolia, district units and provincial reserve units.

Central Combat Command Area

Occupies the outskirts of Beijing and the center of the country, the strongest zone in China with the most modern weapons and mobile units, is a reserve for the remaining zones, and also protects the capital. Occupies the provinces of Hebei, Henan, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Hubei, the cities of Beijing and Tianjin. The headquarters of the unified command is located in Beijing, the headquarters of the ground forces is in Shijiazhuang. Includes the 20th, 27th, 38th, 54th and 65th armies, garrisons of Beijing and Tianjin, district units and provincial reserve units.

Military uniform

Military uniform Type-07

The Type-07 military uniform (07式军服) was adopted for service in 2007, the most modern at the moment. The Type-07 military uniform is a development of the Type-87 uniform, with a reduction in the types of decorations used. The officer's uniform contains a plate with the name and surname, a badge of the degree of qualification and a cord for wearing orders, officers and soldiers wear breastplates and sleeve insignia, only soldiers wear a serviceman's badge. The summer uniform has short sleeves. The emblems 八一, the silhouette of the Great Wall of China, a spear and shield, a wing and an anchor are used as decorations on the form.

Military uniform Type-97

In 1993, development began on a new military uniform intended for use in the 21st century. The new uniform retained the advantages of the Type-87 uniform, and added the strengths of the military uniforms of other countries. Compared to the Type-87 form, the design, materials and dyes used, and decorations were improved. The main color of the uniform of the ground forces is green, the sea - white, the air - blue. The Type-97 form was adopted for service on May 1, 1997. The first to receive it were the garrisons of Hong Kong, Macau, and PLA units stationed abroad.

Military uniform Type-87

In the 1980s, large-scale reforms began in the PRC, the overall power of the state increased, and the old military uniform was no longer adequate in style and quality of materials. On January 1, 1984, even before the approval of the Type-85 uniform, the development of a new line of dress, casual and training military uniforms began. In November 1985, a general military meeting was held, at which representatives of the troops indicated the requirements for the style, materials and paints used, and the delivery and supply system. In July 1987, the new uniform was presented to the leadership of the Communist Party and the country, and in August it was adopted for service, and in October 1988 it began to enter the troops.

Military uniform Type-85

On March 20, 1980, at an enlarged meeting of the Central Military Council, a decision was made to restore military ranks that were abolished during the Cultural Revolution. To implement this decision, in 1981, work began on a new military uniform, which received the unofficial name “Military Ranks Uniform.” On May 1, 1985, the uniform was approved and put into service as the Type-85 Military Uniform (85式军服). The Type-85 uniform is based on the 1955 military uniform. The red buttonholes have been removed from the uniform. Soldiers and officers wear hats with visors, women wear visors without visors. The uniform bears the coat of arms of the armed forces, shoulder straps and the insignia of the branch of service. The summer uniform has short sleeves.

Army cuts

Since the victory in the civil war and the formation of the People's Republic of China, the number of the PLA has been constantly declining, although it remains the largest army in the world. At the same time, the level of troop training and technical equipment is constantly improving, and the combat potential of the Chinese army is steadily growing.

First reduction (1950)

By the time the People's Republic of China was proclaimed on October 1, 1949, the PLA numbered 5.5 million people. These were ground forces, the basis of which were peasants armed with rifles, there were very few mechanized units, and there was no air force or navy. In April 1950, the Party Central Committee decided to reduce the size of the army to 4 million people. However, due to the outbreak of the Korean War, the reduction work was canceled, and the size of the army was increased to 6.27 million people - the largest number in the entire history of the PRC and the PLA.

Second reduction (1952)

In 1951, a large-scale operation to eradicate banditry in the country was completed, the Korean War also entered the armistice stage, the situation in China stabilized, and the preconditions for a new troop reduction appeared. By the end of 1952, when the reduction work was completed, the PLA's strength was 4 million.

Third reduction (1953)

In 1953, the Korean War ended, successes were also achieved in the fight against rebels within the PRC, and the Central Military Council, at a meeting on August 28, 1953, decided on a new reduction in the army. The reduction was completed in 1955, and the army's strength reached 3.2 million.

Fourth reduction (1956)

In September 1956, at the Eighth National Congress of the CPC, a decision was made to reduce the share of military spending in the PRC. To implement this decision, the Central Military Council, at an extended meeting in January 1957, decided to reduce the army by one third. The streamlining of the army was completed at the end of 1958, the number was 2.4 million people, and the share of the navy and air force in the army increased to 32%.

Fifth reduction (1975)

During the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s, the army expanded again, reaching a strength of 6.1 million by 1975. In order to reduce the greatly bloated army, the Central Military Council decided in June and July 1975 to reduce the army by 600 thousand soldiers over the next three years. However, with the beginning of the “Craze for the rehabilitation of the fight against the right deviation,” the reduction work was canceled.

Sixth reduction (1980)

In March 1980, the Central Military Council decided to reform the army, the administrative apparatus was reduced, and provincial military districts were abolished.

Seventh cut (1982)

In September 1982, the Central Military Council issued decrees to reassign a number of units, as well as reduce the army to 4 million people.

Eighth reduction (1985)

On July 11, 1985, the Central Military Commission ordered a new reduction of 1 million soldiers. The reduction was completed in 1987, bringing the PLA strength to 3 million. At the same time, electronic warfare units were introduced into the troops, and the number of mechanized units for the first time exceeded the number of infantry.

Ninth cut (1997)

In September 1997, at the Fifteenth National Congress of the CPC, it was decided to reduce the army by another 500 thousand people, to 2.5 million soldiers. The reduction was completed in 1999.

Tenth reduction (2003)

In 2003, a new reduction was announced, by 200 thousand people. By 2005, the PLA had 2.3 million soldiers.

Eleventh reduction (2015)

On September 3, 2015, at a parade dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and the victory over Japan, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a reduction in the army by 300 thousand people. When this reduction is completed, the PLA will have a strength of 2 million.

The Chinese army is considered the largest in the world. Today, over 2 million privates and officers serve in its ranks. Troops are formed on the basis of conscription. Young people from 18 to 24 years old serve in the active army. The service life is 2 years. The Chinese armed forces also include the people's militia, where men aged 18 to 35 serve as privates. Persons who have undergone army training form the core of the militia and form its officer corps.

The military profession in China is considered very prestigious and respected, so many conscripts continue to serve after two years, but under a contract. Military personnel can count on a number of benefits, housing, increased pensions, special conditions for life and health insurance, and government support when looking for work after leaving the reserve.

According to the latest regulations of the Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China, draft commissions should give preference to young people with higher or completed secondary education. Many high-ranking Chinese military officials note in interviews that what is now important for China is not so much a physically developed soldier as an educated one.

Story

The Chinese army grew out of individual army units that supported the Communist Party of China in the summer of 1927 and opposed the Kuomintang government. Until 1949, the Chinese Red Army was the main support of the Communists in the civil war. The Chinese military also distinguished itself in repelling the aggression of Japanese invaders during World War II. In 1946, the Chinese army received its official name - PLA (National Liberation Army of China).

The USSR played a major role in the formation and design of the PLA. The Soviet military gave the Chinese side all the weapons remaining after the defeat of the Kwantung Army in the Far East. Soviet specialists repeatedly came to China to help organize the army command and control system and brought with them the latest weapons.

Since 1949, the PLA has taken part in the following military conflicts:

• Korean War (1950-53);
• Sino-Vietnamese War (1979);
• border conflicts with India in 1962 and 1967;
• several border conflicts with Vietnam (between 1974 and 1990);
• conflict with the USSR over Damansky Island (1969);
• clashes with Taiwan, where the leaders of the Kuomintang settled, after the end of the Civil War.

In the 1990s, reforms aimed at modernization were carried out in the army. In 2015, Xi Jinping announced the start of a new reform that continues to this day.

Structure

The control of the PLA is entrusted to the Central Military Council of the People's Republic of China. In fact, the composition of the country's military council always coincides with the composition of another, purely party body - the military council of the CPC Central Committee. The current chairman of both structures is Xi Jinping. The Central Military Commission of the People's Republic of China is a government body that has no analogues in the world. Not only the army, but also the police, the people's militia and detachments of vigilantes are subordinate to the council. In fact, the Communist Party controls all security forces in the country.

It is curious that the Ministry of Defense of the People's Republic of China performs secondary functions and is much inferior in importance to the military council. It is responsible for conducting peacekeeping missions and organizing international military cooperation.

At the moment, the PLA includes five branches of the military:

• ground forces. The most numerous branch of the armed forces. Includes infantry, armored, airborne, border, engineering, chemical, reconnaissance troops, etc.
• air force. Until the end of the 1970s, the main task of the Chinese Air Force was only to support the ground army when fighting in the country. But since the 1990s, aircraft have become capable of carrying out more diverse missions, such as striking land and sea targets outside China. Today, the Celestial Empire has four thousand combat aircraft and 700 installations for launching anti-aircraft guided missiles.
• naval forces. The Chinese Navy includes three fleets (North, East and South Seas). Each of these fleets consists of smaller units: the coast guard, the submarine and surface fleet, and naval aviation.
• rocket troops. One of the youngest branches of the military, which appeared only in 2016. Everything related to the activities of this military unit is kept top secret by the Chinese government. Western powers show the greatest interest in China's nuclear potential and the volume of weapons of mass destruction, which is why American and European experts regularly put forward their assessments of the Chinese arsenal.
• strategic support troops. Another structure that emerged after the announcement of the 2015 reform. Very little is also known about VSP. The main task of the unit is to ensure China's superiority over the enemy in space and cyberspace. It is likely that the troops are responsible for intelligence activities, information collection, and the operation of satellite and radar systems.

PLA reform 2015-2020

In 2015, China began a large-scale military reform planned for 5 years. World experts note the depth and significance of this reform. Many believe that it not only means fundamental changes in army life, but also opens a new stage in the political life of the entire state. The preparation of the reform took about 7 years; a huge amount of theoretical and practical work was done, which required the involvement of both military and civilian specialists. Chinese experts note that to develop it they used the experience of many powers (primarily Russia and the USA).

The main goals of the reform are:

• eliminating corruption and abuses in the army, as well as strengthening the CCP's control over the armed forces. These two areas can be considered the main tasks of army modernization;
• the creation of a single headquarters for all branches of the military, the reorganization of the PLA command system;
• removing some non-core tasks from the military’s sphere of responsibility;
• increasing the professionalism of officers;
• changing the boundaries of military districts and improving the internal system of managing the military forces of individual provinces;
• designing a structure responsible for conducting cyber warfare;
• the growing role of the Navy and Air Force;
• using the latest information technologies.

The features of this reform are associated not only with the technological breakthrough that began in China in the 21st century, but also with a change in Chinese foreign policy doctrine. If throughout almost the entire second half of the twentieth century, the Chinese were preparing for an armed conflict with the USSR and therefore attached the greatest importance to ground forces, now the priority direction of Chinese foreign policy is the protection of its territorial waters and dominance in the Pacific Ocean. This explains the massive dismissals of military personnel who served in the ground forces and the increased development of the Navy and Air Force.

Changing the structure of army control comes down, first of all, to the concentration of all resources in the hands of the Central Military Council. Until January 2018, four completely independent headquarters operated under the authority of the council. According to the reform, they were replaced by fifteen departments with narrower powers and less independence.

Many senior officials and military officials complain that the Chinese army is "stricken by a peaceful disease." The PLA has not taken part in real military action for many years, which some regard not as a virtue of Chinese diplomacy, but as a serious omission. According to Xi Jinping's orders, the army should conduct regular real-time exercises on a regular basis. The conduct of such tests will be strictly controlled by the state, since in the early 2000s almost all such events in China resulted in grandiose money laundering scams.

Technological innovations

So far, China's military equipment is somewhat inferior to that of Russia and America, but it is obvious that over the next decade this gap will rapidly narrow and then disappear altogether.

Today, the Chinese defense industry fully provides its army with the necessary weapons. Moreover, recently China is increasingly winning tenders for arms supplies to other states, leaving behind European countries and the United States. Many powers prefer to buy Chinese weapons, even if they are more expensive than competitors' products.

At first, Chinese weapons copied Soviet and Russian products, and now they copy European, American and Israeli ones. However, it would be completely wrong to say that China produces only copies and does not have its own military developments. The main task now facing Chinese specialists is to eliminate dependence on foreign technologies.

One of the latest important Chinese military developments is the latest devices for detecting submarines. Unlike traditional sonars, Chinese devices are much more sensitive and accurate. They respond to the slightest magnetic fluctuations.

The Chinese have achieved no less success in developing an aerial surveillance system. In 2018, a radar was successfully tested, allowing it to detect aircraft based on stealth technology at a long distance. The operating principle of the radar is based on the use of T-rays (one of the types of electromagnetic radiation). T-ray generators have been used in industry before, for example, to detect hidden defects in products. But so far, no country has been able to create a generator with such power that it would be possible to detect an aircraft at a distance of more than 100 km.

In 2016, two of the latest Chinese missiles, the TL-2 and TL-7, were presented at an exhibition of military achievements in Singapore. The TL-7 is an anti-ship missile that can be launched from the air, land or ship. The TL-2 is designed to be launched from a mount or drone.

Another Chinese innovation, designed for bombing the enemy, grew out of Soviet developments. In the 1950s, the Chinese leadership received from the USSR the technical documentation necessary to assemble MiG-19 fighters. The Chinese-made aircraft were called J-6 and until recently were the most popular combat vehicle in the arsenal of the PLA Air Force. Since this model is now outdated, Chinese engineers began to develop the latest kamikaze drones based on the J-6. Each such aircraft is a ground-launched cruise missile.

The Taihan aircraft engine is also a unique Chinese development. The first such engines appeared back in the 1980s, but at that time they were significantly inferior to American and Soviet designs. For a long time, aircraft engines for the PLA Air Force were purchased abroad, but recently the Chinese side began to equip their aircraft with their own engines.

In parallel with military developments, space technology is rapidly developing in China. In 2011, the first Chinese orbital station, Tiangong-1, was launched into orbit, modeled after Soviet stations. To date, two more similar Chinese devices have been in space. In 2022, Chinese engineers plan to launch the first multi-module manned orbital station.

Of all Russia's immediate neighbors, China, of course, has the greatest military power. The PLA is today the most dynamically developing army in the world. The mobilization resources of the PLA (300–400 million people) exceed the population of any other country except India.

A military commissar's dream

The People's Liberation Army of China (PLA is the official name of the Chinese Armed Forces) is formally recruited by conscription. The conscription age is 18 years. The duration of military service is two years. Due to a significant overabundance of human resources, conscription is selective, which allows recruiting the best - both in terms of physical and intellectual data. There is also contract service ranging from three to 30 years. At the moment, the PLA is fully staffed by hire - in fact, in China there is a kind of “conscription for contract”.

The leadership of the PLA is carried out by the Central Military Council (CMC). The post of chairman of the Central Military Commission is de facto considered the most important in the PRC. Only after occupying this post does a person become the full-fledged leader of the country. Accordingly, it is the Central Military Commission that is in reality the main governing body of the PRC. Moreover, apart from the chairman himself, there is not a single civilian in the Central Military Commission; the council consists of representatives of the highest generals, whose role in the leadership of the PRC and the CPC is extremely large. The Central Military Commission determines the main directions of the construction and development of the PLA, forms the defense budget, and is responsible for the mobilization and introduction of martial law.

As a result of the military reform of 2016, the Central Military Command includes the Joint Staff (includes the headquarters of all four branches of the Armed Forces, its functions are similar to the American Command Staff), five departments (political work, weapons development, troop training, supply, national mobilization), three commissions (political -legal, discipline inspection, science and technology), six departments (strategic planning, general affairs, reforms and organizational structure, audit, administration, international cooperation).

Subordinate to the Central Military Commission there are five theater commands - Northern (headquarters in Shenyang), Central (Beijing), Western (Chengdu), Southern (Guangzhou), Eastern (Nanjing). The commands are the highest operational-strategic formations of the PLA, under their control are all formations, units and ships of the ground forces, air force and navy. In addition, the Central Military District subordinates the strategic support forces (responsible for preparing network-centric warfare, conducting cyber operations, space warfare, electronic warfare) and missile forces (analogous to the Russian Strategic Missile Forces).

Data on the latest troops is completely classified. The Chinese side does not provide any official information on the number of missiles and warheads.

Dungeon Mystery

It is known from various sources that the missile forces include six armies (missile bases), each consisting of several brigades. Each is armed with one type of missile and includes three to six missile battalions. The battalion includes three missile companies, which in turn can include three missile platoons. Depending on the type of missile, one launcher can be in service with either a company or a platoon. Accordingly, the brigade is armed with from 9 to 54 launchers, the number of missiles in it may exceed the number of launchers, that is, there are stored missiles in the area of ​​the launch positions.

There is an extensive system of tunnels under Beijing, built for the benefit of the missile forces. The dungeon may contain any number of launchers (primarily mobile ones), missiles and warheads; there is no even approximate information on this matter. Next, only six armies (bases) about which there is at least some information will be considered.

51st Army includes five (or six) brigades. The 806th brigade is equipped with DF-31 or DF-21 missiles, the 810th - DF-21, the 816th - DF-15 or DF-21A, the 822nd - DF-21С/D, the 828th - DF- 21C.

52nd Army includes up to 13 brigades. 807th is equipped with DF-21 missiles, 811th - DF-21С, 815th - DF-15В/С, 817th - DF-15 and/or DF-11А, 818th - DF-11А, 819th 1st – DF-15 or DF-11A, 820th – DF-15 and/or DF-11A, 827th – DF-21C and/or DF-16, 829th – DF-11A. The Army may have up to four more missile brigades with DF-11 and DF-15 missiles.

53rd Army includes up to seven brigades. 802nd is equipped with DF-21 missiles, 808th - DF-21, 821st - DN-10, 825th - DH-10 and/or DF-16, 826th - DF-21С, 830th – DF-11 (this brigade may belong to the ground forces). There may be another brigade with DF-31A missiles.

54th Army includes up to five brigades. The 801st is equipped with DF-5A/B missiles, the 804th - DF-5A, the 813th - DF-31A. Two more supposedly existing brigades are armed with DF-4 and DF-31A missiles.

55th Army includes four brigades. The 803rd is equipped with DF-5A missiles. 805th - DF-4, re-equipped with DF-31A, 814th - DF-5A, 824th - DN-10.

56th Army includes at least three teams. The 809th is equipped with DF-21 or DF-31A missiles, the 812th with DF-31A, and the 823rd with DF-21. There may be several more brigades with different types of missiles.

The most likely number of launchers, based on the number of brigades, their possible composition and various data - up to 50 DF-5, up to 18 DF-4, up to 96 DF-31 (including up to 84 DF-31A), up to 156 DF-21 (including up to 60 C, up to 12 V), up to 120 DF-15, up to 360 DF-11A, up to 24 DF-16, at least 72 DH-10.

The number of nuclear warheads cannot be determined, since a significant part of the DF-11, DF-15, DF-21, DH-10 missiles are used in conventional equipment. On the other hand, a large number of nuclear warheads are in warehouses in peacetime. In any case, their number in the deployed state alone significantly exceeds 300 units.

With an eye on America

To ICBM class There are three types of missiles: DF-5 (range - 7.5–15 thousand km, there are at least 50 missiles), DF-31/31A (7–12 thousand km, at least 60 missiles), DF-4 ( 5.5–7 thousand km, at least 60 missiles). The flight range of ICBMs varies depending on the combat load. The obsolete DF-5 and the DF-31 that is replacing it are full-fledged ICBMs and are designed to destroy targets in the United States. At the same time, the DF-31A became the first Chinese ICBM with MIRVs (carries 3 warheads). However, the DF-5B ICBMs are also equipped with MIRVs (from 8 to 10), but there are no more than 12 such ICBMs.

The DF-4 is actually an IRBM designed to hit targets in the European part of the Russian Federation (therefore it has the unofficial name “Moscow missile”) and theoretically in Europe. The DF-41 ICBM, capable of carrying up to 10 warheads and having a flight range of up to 14 thousand kilometers, is being tested. It is possible that up to 12 such ICBMs have already been built.

To the IRBM class include DF-3A (about 3 thousand km) and DF-21 (2–3 thousand km, approximately 300 units). IRBMs are designed to hit targets in the Russian Federation, India, and Japan. The DF-3A is being retired (apparently no longer in service) and is being replaced by the DF-21, which has several modifications, including possibly the world's first ballistic anti-ship missile, the DF-21D, designed to engage large surface ships, primarily aircraft carriers . The DF-26 MRBM with a flight range of 3.5–4 thousand kilometers is beginning to enter service; now there are at least 12 such MRBMs.

To the OTR class include DF-11 (300–800 km, more than 100 missiles), DF-15 (600 km, at least 500 units), DF-16 (800–1000 km, at least 12). The DF-15 and DF-11 missiles are designed to hit targets in Taiwan (the 52nd RA is “anti-Taiwan” in location and purpose), a smaller part is aimed at the Vladivostok-Ussuriysk area and the Korean Peninsula. A much larger number of similar missiles are part of the ground forces. In total there are over 1500 of them.

To the class of cruise missiles include DH-10 with a flight range of up to four thousand kilometers. The missile launchers, created as a result of the synthesis of the Russian X-55 and American Tomahawks, are a new class of weapons in the missile forces. A significant number of similar missiles are part of the ground forces. Each mobile launcher carries three missiles. The total quantity is at least 450 units.

The DF-5 and DF-4 ICBMs, the DF-3 IRBMs are silo-based, all other missiles described are mobile.

As stated above, there is no official data on the PLA missile forces. Therefore, even the power of six missile armies can be significantly greater. Taking into account the mentioned tunnel system, the potential increases significantly, with the most modern DF-21, DF-31 and DH-10. And it must be said that such tunnels provide strategic nuclear forces with much higher combat stability than in the USA and Russia.

/Alexander Khramchikhin, Deputy Director of the Institute of Political and Military Analysis, vpk-news.ru/