(AFP PHOTO / GREG BAKER)
The Chinese armed forces (PLA) will make major changes in both personnel and weaponry under President Xi Jinping's orders.
This is done in order to fulfill the ambition to turn the PLA into a world class armed forces in the next three decades.
President Xi exposes his military ambitions in a report in the Communist Party Congress on Wednesday (18/10/2017).
In his report, Xi wanted the PLA to have to modernize in 2035 and become a world class armed force by 2050.
"The armed forces are built for battle, our military must always be ready for battle as the ultimate goal and focus on how to win the war when needed," Xi said.Xi continued, technology is at the core of the combat power of an armed force. So he said, the PLA must apply modern information technology and strategic weaponry in the future.Xi added that the changes in the PLA's body also included a shift in the tops of the military, better integration between the military and civilian sectors, as well as stronger border guards.Experts say Xi is urging the PLA to renew its equipment and promote young generals for the PLA to be equivalent to the military of Western countries.This year has actually made significant changes, among others, to cut its regional military command from seven regions to five.In addition, the Chinese government also disburse considerable budget for the modernization of its navy.The move comes amid growing disputes between China and its neighbors over the issue of the South China Sea and the East China Sea.
