People's Liberation Army (PLA)

Strengthening domestic demand, self-reliance in strategic technologies, and reassertion of political and ideological control over the PLA featured prominently in the 2026 Two Sessions.

With the dismissal of five members of the Central Military Commission, the core decision-making body consists only of Xi Jinping and Zhang Shengmin.

President Xi Jinping has prosecuted some of the seniormost Chinese military officials for corruption.

China has made a consistent and gradual progress in research and development of fighter jets keeping the Soviet-designed fighter models as reference.

The September 2024 DF-31AG test showed to some extent the success of the efforts aimed at the streamlining of the priorities of the Rocket Forces.

China is making increasing use of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), among others, to modernise the People’s Liberation Army.

The PLA Western Theatre Command has focused on joint operations capabilities to counter the perceived lack of air superiority and information dominance in the theatre, which it believes is required for strike operations.

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has established a leadership and command system to enhance its capability to conduct joint operations.

China’s varied winter planning logistics show a broader strategy to gain mastery over high-altitude conditions and increase combat preparedness against India.