China reduces army by half; increases size of navy, air force in big way

China reduces army by half; increases size of navy, air force in big way

News:

China reduces army by half and increases size of navy air force.

Important Facts:

• China’s military is a largest force in the world has recently reduced the size of its land-based army by about 50 per cent and significantly boosted its navy and air force as part of an “unprecedented” strategic shift.
• In China, the navy, air force, rocket force and strategic support force, which is responsible for areas such as cyberwarfare now together make up more than half of the Chinese military, overtaking the army.
• The rocket force and strategic support force will mainly focus on missile warfare.
• PLA Navy is also planning to increase the strength of aircraft carriers to six

Reason:

• Modern warfare reduced the importance of the ground forces and putting a greater emphasis in areas such as the air, space and cyberspace.

Significance:

• Strategic shift from having a homeland-based defensive force to one with the capacity will allow Beijing to stretch its power beyond its national borders and to protect its interests overseas.

About People’s Liberation Army of China:

• Founded in 1927 as the Red Army of China
• The PLA had no navy or air force until 1949 and the PLA Rocket Force, first known as ‘the Second Artillery Corps’, was founded in 1966.
• The Chinese military currently has five independent branches, including the army, navy, air force, rocket force – the strategic and tactical missile operator – and strategic support force, which is in charge of cyber, space, and electronic warfare.