| Summary/Abstract |
Ever since the 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) National congress resolved, in October 2017, to raise a “world class military force” by 2050, developments in this direction have been swift and concrete in transforming structure, strategy, military equipment, professional military education, training and exercises. There is reflection of communist party’s “absolute control over the military”. Ranking third in the world after the United States (US) and Russia and first in the Asian region, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) forces are going through reorganisation of joint commands by 2020 and are projected to be “world-class” by 2025. The emphasis is on power projection through naval, air, and rocket forces. The focus of military preparedness is on Taiwan, Senkaku Islands, South China Sea, India-China border areas, and deterring the US and its allies. After the first aircraft carrier Liaoning made voyages in Taiwan Straits twice and operated as a trainer in the South China Sea, China is now constructing second and third carriers. Also, stealth destroyers and submarine development are being pursued. Focus is also on J-20 fighters, Yun 2 transport aircraft, UAVs and H-6 bombers even though China lags in turbo-fan technology. Among the long and medium range missiles, China is emphasising on DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), DF-26 “Guam killer”, DF-21D “aircraft carrier killer” and ballistic missile defence (BMD) systems.
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