Exposed: China's Military Weaknesses Could Put Its Global Ambitions in Jeopardy

 

China's military has undergone significant modernization efforts in recent years, with the goal of establishing itself as a global military power. However, a closer examination of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) reveals several weaknesses that will limit its ability to project power and defend China's interests. In this article, we will explore the factors that contribute to China's weak military and fighting capabilities, including its lack of combat experience, the impact of the one-child policy on demographics, an aging population, and corruption within the PLA.

Lack of Combat Experience

One of the most significant weaknesses of the PLA is its lack of combat experience. While China has invested heavily in modernizing its military, it has not fought a major war since its conflict with Vietnam in 1979. This means that many of the PLA's soldiers and officers have never seen real combat, and may not be prepared for the realities of modern warfare.
Moreover, China's military training and doctrine are focused primarily on defending the homeland against a potential invasion, rather than projecting power abroad. This defensive mindset may limit the PLA's ability to conduct offensive operations in a coordinated and effective manner.
The lack of combat experience was evident during China's military standoff with India in 2020, which saw PLA soldiers engage in hand-to-hand combat with Indian troops in the Galwan Valley. The clashes resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese soldiers. The fact that the PLA resorted to using primitive weapons, such as clubs and stones, suggests that its soldiers were not adequately trained or equipped for such a situation.

One-Child Policy

Another challenge facing China's military is the impact of the one-child policy on demographics. The policy, which was in place from 1979 to 2015, was intended to control population growth, but it also resulted in a rapidly aging population. According to the United Nations, China's population is projected to peak in 2029 and then decline rapidly, with the number of people over 65 increasing from 12% in 2020 to 25% in 2050.
This demographic shift could have a significant impact on China's military capabilities, as older soldiers may not be as physically fit or mentally sharp as their younger counterparts. Moreover, the one-child policy also had unintended consequences on the PLA's recruitment and retention. With fewer children being born, the pool of potential recruits is smaller, which could limit the PLA's ability to maintain its size and quality over the long term.
The aging population also presents challenges for China's military in terms of healthcare and social safety net. A larger population of elderly citizens will place a greater burden on China's healthcare system, which may limit the resources available for the military. In addition, an aging population could also strain China's social safety net, which could lead to social unrest and instability.

Corruption within the PLA

Corruption is another significant problem within the PLA. The military is known for its opaque budgeting and procurement practices, which make it difficult to track how funds are being used. In addition, there have been numerous cases of corruption and embezzlement within the PLA, with high-ranking officers being accused of using their positions to enrich themselves and their families.
For example, in 2016, General Guo Boxiong, a former vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, was sentenced to life in prison for accepting bribes and abuse of power. In 2020, General Fang Fenghui, former chief of the Joint Staff Department, was sentenced to life in prison for bribery and corruption.
This corruption not only undermines the PLA's effectiveness but also erodes public trust in the military and the Communist Party. It also creates a perception that the PLA is more concerned with enriching its leaders than with defending the country

Conclusion

In conclusion, China's military may not be as strong as it appears. Its lack of combat experience, the impact of the one-child policy on demographics, the aging population, and corruption within the PLA are all factors that could limit its ability to project power and defend its interests. While China has made significant investments in modernizing its military, these weaknesses could still pose a significant challenge to its long-term strategic goals

Can Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) really fight a war?

The PLA is facing a number of internal and external challenges, including modernization, corruption, strategic challenges, recruitment and retention, and combat inexperience.

China has been investing heavily in modernizing its military, but the PLA still faces challenges in integrating advanced technologies and overcoming its legacy systems.

Corruption within the PLA has undermined its effectiveness and morale, and President Xi Jinping has launched a campaign to root out corruption.

China's assertive foreign policy and territorial claims have raised tensions with its neighbors and the United States, and the PLA must balance its ambition with the need to avoid conflict.

The PLA is facing a demographic challenge as the pool of eligible recruits shrinks, and competition for talent is increasing.

The lack of recent combat experience is a significant disadvantage for the PLA, particularly when compared to the US military.

To address these challenges, the PLA is seeking to gain experience through participation in international peacekeeping missions and joint military exercises with other countries, while increasing its focus on training and simulations.

In summary, the PLA faces a complex set of challenges that will require significant reforms, investments, and strategic adjustments to ensure that it remains an effective and reliable force for China's security and defense.

China-Pakistan: Ties of Money, Blood and Terror

The relationship between China and Pakistan has been referred to as an "all-weather friendship" due to its longevity and strength. However, it is important to also examine the negative aspects of the relationship and the actions of both countries that have had detrimental effects.

One major issue in the China-Pakistan relationship is human rights abuses. Both countries have been criticized for their treatment of minority groups, with China facing international condemnation for its treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang and Pakistan facing criticism for its treatment of religious minorities such as Christians and Hindus. Additionally, both countries have been criticized for their lack of press freedom and restrictions on civil liberties.

Another issue is the economic exploitation that has occurred in the name of cooperation between China and Pakistan. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative, which aims to connect Gwadar Port in Pakistan to China's Xinjiang region through infrastructure projects, has been criticized for its lack of transparency and for not providing enough benefits to the local population. Some argue that the initiative has primarily benefited Chinese companies and the Pakistani elite while leaving out most of the population.

In terms of regional politics, the China-Pakistan relationship has also had negative effects. Pakistan's close alliance with China has contributed to tensions with its neighbor India, leading to an arms race in the region and increasing the potential for conflict. Additionally, China and Pakistan have been accused of supporting extremist groups in the region spreading terror beyond their borders, further destabilizing the area, and causing harm to civilians.

Pakistan is famous for its terror factories and the most UN-listed terrorists are living in Pakistan. China often saves Pakistani terrorists using its veto power in the UN.

Furthermore, both China and Pakistan have been criticized for their environmental policies and the lack of consideration for the environment in their development projects. The construction of dams, power plants, and mines under the CPEC initiative could have a severe impact on the environment and the livelihoods of local communities.

It's also worth mentioning that both China and Pakistan have also been accused of human rights violations in their treatment of their citizens, and for repressing political opposition. This has led to a lack of transparency and accountability in the actions of both governments.

In conclusion, while the relationship between China and Pakistan has been strong and enduring, it is important to also examine the negative aspects of the relationship. Both countries have been criticized for human rights abuses, economic exploitation, and regional destabilization. Additionally, there have been concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the actions of both governments, which have had detrimental effects on the people and the environment.