Overview
This lecture covers the organization, equipment, and strategic doctrine of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), including its Ground, Air, and Naval forces, focusing on China's current military capabilities and priorities.
PLA Organization and Structure
- PLA is divided into Ground Forces, Air Force (PLAAF), and Navy (PLAN).
- In 2016, military regions were reorganized into theater commands to address likely threats, notably from the Pacific.
- PLA has approximately 2.2 million personnel, with the Ground Forces at 960,000 (mostly conscripts), Navy 260,000, and Air Force similar in size.
- Conscription is limited in scope, with most conscripts being volunteers from rural backgrounds.
- Officer training is split between technical academies and military schools; NCO (non-commissioned officer) autonomy remains unclear.
Weapons and Equipment of the PLA
- Infantry weapons include: QBZ-191 and QBZ-95 assault rifles, various machine guns, anti-tank guided missiles (HJ-8, HJ-10), man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADs), and grenade launchers.
- Armored vehicles: older Soviet-derived APCs, ZBL08 IFV, modern light tanks (Type 15), and main battle tanks (Type 99, Type 96).
- Artillery includes towed and self-propelled guns (122mm, 152mm, 155mm), multiple rocket launchers (Type 81, PHL003), and advanced ammunition (laser-guided shells).
- PLA employs engineering vehicles for logistics and battlefield support.
PLA Air Force (PLAAF)
- Modernization has phased out most older aircraft; focus is now on J-10, J-11, J-16, J-20 (stealth), and H-6 bombers.
- Airborne early warning and control (KJ-2000, KJ-500) are key for force coordination.
- Transport aircraft include Y-20 and Il-76 for logistics and paratrooper deployment.
- Helicopters and drones are increasingly emphasized for flexibility and reconnaissance.
PLA Navy (PLAN)
- Navy built around frigates (Jiangkai, Jiangwei), destroyers (Luyang I/II/III), modern cruisers (Type 055), and three aircraft carriers (Liaoning, Shandong, Fujian).
- Amphibious capability includes Type 071 LPD and Type 075 LHD, with substantial landing craft for beach assaults.
- Submarine fleet features both diesel-electric (Kilo, Song, Yuan) and nuclear-powered subs (Jin-class SSBN for nuclear deterrence).
- Anti-ship and land-attack cruise/ballistic missiles (YJ-series, DF-series) are integral to China’s strategy.
PLA Rocket Force and Strategic Capabilities
- Fields a variety of ballistic missiles: short, intermediate, and intercontinental (DF-11, DF-15, DF-21, DF-26, DF-31, DF-41).
- Emphasis on mobility, accuracy (MIRVs), and hypersonic capabilities (DF-17).
- China maintains a growing number of dual-use satellites for communication, navigation, and surveillance.
- Proven anti-satellite weapons and a manned space program.
Strategic Doctrine and Priorities
- Transitioned from mass infantry (attrition) to limited wars under high-tech conditions.
- Focus on sea denial (especially Taiwan/South China Sea) rather than sea control.
- Ongoing modernization aims for professionalization, technological parity, and strategic deterrence.
- Overseas basing (“String of Pearls”) supports limited power projection and protection of maritime interests.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Theater Command — Regional military command responsible for operations within a specific strategic direction.
- Main Battle Tank (MBT) — Heavily armed and armored tank (e.g., Type 99) central to ground warfare.
- IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) — Armored vehicle carrying troops and supporting them with firepower.
- Self-Propelled Artillery — Mobile, armored artillery system.
- AWACS (Airborne Warning & Control System) — Aircraft for radar surveillance and command.
- SSBN — Nuclear-powered ballistic missile-carrying submarine.
- MIRV — Multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle; enables a missile to carry several warheads.
- Sea Denial — Military strategy to prevent an adversary from using maritime areas.
- String of Pearls — Network of Chinese military and commercial facilities in the Indian Ocean region.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key PLA equipment types and functions.
- Study maps of China’s theater commands and PLA Navy deployments.
- Prepare for discussion on how PLA modernization supports China’s regional security strategies.