As of 2021, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the official name for China’s armed forces, has an estimated total strength of approximately 2 million active-duty personnel. Among this formidable force, the Ground Force is the largest branch, with around 975,000 soldiers. It is responsible for land-based operations, including ground combat and territorial defense. The Ground Force is equipped with a wide array of modern weaponry, including tanks, artillery, and other vehicles.
Next in line is the PLA Navy (PLAN), which has experienced significant growth and modernization in recent years. With about 250,000 active-duty personnel, the PLAN is responsible for safeguarding China’s maritime interests and projecting power beyond its shores. It operates a range of surface vessels, submarines, and aircraft carriers, demonstrating China’s increasing capability to assert itself in the vast waters of the Pacific and beyond.
The PLA Air Force (PLAAF) follows closely, with around 400,000 active-duty personnel. As the aerial branch of the Chinese military, the PLAAF is responsible for maintaining air superiority, conducting strategic bombing, and providing close air support to ground forces. In recent times, China has invested heavily in developing advanced fighter jets, bombers, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The PLAAF’s modernization efforts are aimed at expanding its reach and capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.
China also possesses a unique branch known as the PLA Rocket Force, formerly known as the Second Artillery Corps. This branch is responsible for China’s strategic missile and nuclear deterrence capabilities. Comprising about 100,000 personnel, the PLA Rocket Force operates conventional and nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching targets thousands of miles away.
Apart from these four main branches, China maintains several specialized combat units, such as the PLA Special Operations Forces, the PLA Marine Corps, and the PLA Strategic Support Force. These units provide additional expertise and capabilities essential for modern warfare, including counter-terrorism operations, amphibious assaults, and space-based warfare.
It is important to note that the numbers mentioned here are approximate and subject to change due to various factors, including manpower requirements, technological advancements, and the evolving geopolitical landscape. China’s military continues to undergo extensive modernization efforts, with a focus on enhancing its capabilities through advancements in technology, training, and operational strategies.
China’s military expansion and modernization have raised concerns among some countries in the geopolitical arena. The scope and intensity of its military activities in disputed territories, such as the South China Sea, have drawn international attention and contributed to regional tensions. However, China maintains that its military development is purely defensive in nature and aims to safeguard its national interests and territorial integrity.
In conclusion, China’s military strength is an integral element of its rise as a global power. With approximately 2 million active-duty personnel, the PLA comprises an immense force capable of defending China’s interests, both domestically and beyond its borders. As the world continues to closely monitor China’s military advancements, it is essential to understand the scale and capabilities of its armed forces.