The Growth Of China's Military

Military might: Chinese army tanks on a military exercise in central China's Henan Province - the country now has most of the sophisticated weapon systems found in developed Western nations, it has said. Photo from The Daily Mail

China's Military Power Takes 'Quantum Leap': Defence Minister -- AFP

BEIJING — China's military capability has taken a "quantum leap" thanks to a modernisation drive and its weaponry rivals that of Western countries, the nation's defence minister said in an interview Monday.

The comments by Liang Guanglie came in an interview published by Xinhua news agency 10 days before China is set to roll out a range of advanced weaponry in a National Day military parade.

"Our capabilities in waging defensive combat under modern conditions have taken a quantum leap," Liang was quoted as saying.

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More News On China's Military And Its Impact

China says military arsenal comparable with West -- AP
China 'has weapon arsenal comparable with West', says country's defence minister -- Daily Mail
Military playing catch-up in modernization -- China View
Defense Minister highlights military achievement ahead of National Day parade -- China View
China to project naval, air power further off shore -- Reuters
China's military build up ignored by Obama, media -- Examiner
Is the U.S. Losing the Pacific? -- Mary Kissel, Wall Street Journal

My Comment: In 1988, I was in Fujian Province, China. On numerous occasions I saw Chinese military personnel. Jump 20 years to today, and on my last trip to China I saw military personnel again.

What has changed .... there are a few things that stand out for me. (1) The Chinese soldiers of today wear better uniforms. (2) Their hair is cut shorter. (3) In 1988 many troops drove around in scooters (with someone holding on in the back). Today, it is jeeps and trucks. (4) The roads are now highways. (5) The soldiers are bigger and taller (or I am shrinking) .... but I think this is due to a change to a more Western diet than a traditional Chinese diet of rice, and little bits of pork and fish. (5) The officers look like professional soldiers, not Communist Party hacks.

Is the Chinese military changing .... you betcha. Is their equipment like ours .... it is probably getting there. Are their NCOs and officers like ours .... that has yet to be seen. As a military institution, are they going down the right path ..... hmmmm ..... 20 years ago I would have said no. Today .... I will have to say yes.