With the establishment of China's Theatre Commands to form joint-operational capabilities, the overall military reform plan has been made public. How significant is such a move to the armed forces and national interests? How far from China's shores will these Commands extend? And what remains to be done by the People's Liberation Army.
Streamlining the command structure.. and ensuring capabilities. The PLA is replacing the original seven Regional Commands with five Theatre Commands. It's designed to make the military more competitive in any future conflicts.
"The latest reform has separated military commands in winning a war from administration. This will be helpful for the Theatre Commands to focus ONLY on studying and preparing for military activities," Professor General Qiao Liang with National Defense University said.
Military expert Qiao Liang believes these Theater Commands, or the Battle Zone Commands, previously established only in wartime, will enable smoother coordination among the different branches.
He says each Command will not be restricted to its geographic location, but take the lead in strategic directions beyond national borders.
Reform has reorganized the various lines of responsibility, in effect, changing the management practices.
"The reform has drastically changed the basis for corruption in the army that had been deeply rooted and intertwined. It is driven by the internal need for building a modern army to be more capable of winning a war, as well as the significance to root out corruption more effectively," General Qiao said.
The reform is aimed at winning a war, but many experts say it's not aimed at a particular target, or only for winning. And security threats may come from any direction.
"Restructuring the army can be compared to opening the cage to change birds. But the most important thing for the army is to open minds to change thinking. As long as we don't change concepts, reforms will only be a change of format without bringing real results," General Qiao said.
The goals are ambitious and the challenges, huge.
Chinese strategists believe that peace can only be safeguarded through strength. The military reforms are designed to improve conditions for the armed forces amid rising tensions and greater responsibilities. This concept has been reflected in this round of reforms that could deeply transform the PLA in the future.
