China’s army is shifting its focus to winning war against” powerful enemies and opponents” in the face of mounting difficulties from countries like the US, according to a major defense official. In this new directive, Chinese President Xi Jinping has instructed the People’s Liberation Army ( PLA ) to strengthen its strategic capabilities to protect China’s sovereignty and development interests.
Xi Jinping, while commemorating the 120th anniversary of Deng Xiaoping’s birth, emphasised Deng’s legacy in building a modern China and highlighted his contributions to the Communist Party of China ( CPC ), the nation, and the world.
Deng’s emphasis on modernizing the army was highlighted by Xi, who said that the best way to honor Deng is to continue to advance socialism through the use of Chinese characteristics that he initiated. Deng’s perspective for the Army included developing it into a robust, modernised, and well-organised power, emphasising the importance of “fewer but better soldiers”.
Xi Jinping, acting in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the PLA, reiterated on Thursday the importance of the military improving its” tactical ability to defend national independence, security, and development pursuits”, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
Miao Hua, a part of the central military commission, China’s highest military decision-making figure led by Xi, remarked on this corporate transition during a PLA memorial function. He stated,” In the new excursion, we if… focus on strengthening skills to defeat powerful enemies and opponents”.
The mood was expressed in a piece from the standard PLA Daily, which was published the day before Miao Hua’s statement. According to Deng’s corporate assessment from the 1980s that “world war can be postponed or avoided,” the post noted that China is currently experiencing “great changes unnoticed in a century.” It stressed the need for the military to be diligent, asserting,” We may… often maintain strategic clarity on the possible risks of conflict, make full preparations for military fight, effectively hinder war and firmly win the war”.
The PLA’s recent path toward” powerful rivals and opponents” represents a significant change from its past effort to win local wars.
This change is in response to China’s growing political issues, including its long-standing boundary dispute with India and maritime problems in the South China Sea and East China Sea. Also, China’s ties with Taiwan have become increasingly disturbed, with Beijing asserting its state over the area.
China claims most of the South China Sea, a disagreement disputed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. In his 2022 statement at the party congress, Xi had outlined the objectives of “victory in nearby war” and instructed the Army to “improve training and preparation for battle in all aspects and increase the army’s capacity to fight and win.”
He further stated,” We will develop the normal and varied use of military forces, hold out defense struggles with determination and flexibility, form the protection posture, contain crises and conflicts, and get local wars”.
