Chinese Military Morale Is Taking A Hit Over Plans For Large-Scale Troop Cuts

Chinese troops march during the military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War Two, in Beijing, China, September 3, 2015. REUTERS/ROLEX DELA PENA/POOL

Reuters: China military hints at strong opposition to large-scale troop cuts

Bitterness is growing within China's armed forces to President Xi Jinping's decision to cut troop numbers by 300,000 and considerable effort will be needed to overcome opposition to the order, according to a source and commentaries in the military's newspaper.

Xi made the unexpected announcement on Sept. 3 at a military parade in Beijing marking 70 years since the end of World War Two in Asia. The move would reduce by 13 percent one of the world's biggest militaries, currently 2.3-million strong.

One government official, who meets regularly with senior officers, said some inside the People's Liberation Army (PLA) felt the announcement had been rushed and taken by Xi with little consultation outside the Central Military Commission. Xi heads the commission, which has overall command of the military.

"It's been too sudden," the source told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

WNU Editor: In China .... for those who make the decision that the military will be their career .... serving until you retire is a given. To join the military and then be told a few years later that your service is not required .... this is something that is very difficult for many of these soldiers to accept .... especially the senior officers. And while I do expect these reforms to go through .... obedience to the Communist Party is a rule all Chinese military officers must follow .... they are doing it reluctantly.