People's Liberation Army. China's strategic strengths are clearly underestimated

In 2014, the country's spending on defense increased by 12% and amounted to 808.2 billion yuan ($132 billion). The People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) remains the largest in the world, with 1,500,000 personnel and more than 3,250,000 reservists.

What is in service with the PLA today, see the AiF.ru infographic.

Infographics: AiF

The Chinese military-industrial complex employs 24 enterprises of the nuclear industry, 12 companies in the rocket and space industry, nine aircraft factories, 14 factories for the production of armored vehicles, 20 enterprises for the assembly of artillery equipment, more than 200 factories for the production of ammunition and 23 large shipyards.

Ground troops

The PRC ground forces include the following types of troops: infantry, armored troops, artillery, military air defense, airborne, engineering, chemical, reconnaissance, communications and automobile troops, and border troops.

In service with the ground forces of the PLA are:

  • tanks - 9150 units;
  • combat armored vehicles (AFVs) - 6600 units;
  • self-propelled howitzers - 1200 units;
  • mortars - about 10,000 units;
  • multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) - 4000 units;
  • launchers (PU) of tactical missiles - about 1500 units;
  • towed artillery - 6246 units;
  • anti-aircraft guns - 1531 units;
  • anti-tank weapons of various modifications - approximately 8,000 units.

Naval Forces

The Navy consists of surface and submarine forces, naval aviation, marines and coastal defense forces.

In service with the Chinese Navy:

  • one aircraft carrier "Lyaoling" (until June 19, 1990 - "Riga");
  • 29 destroyers;
  • 49 frigates;
  • 86 landing ships;
  • 69 submarines;
  • 39 minesweepers;
  • 368 Coast Guard ships.

China's naval aviation includes:

  • about 120 H-5 bombers;
  • about 45 J-7 fighters;
  • about 60 J-8 fighters;
  • about 100 JH-7 fighter-bombers;
  • 24 Su-30 fighters.

Air Force

The Chinese Air Force includes: bomber, attack, fighter, reconnaissance, military transport aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, anti-aircraft artillery, radio engineering troops, airborne troops.

To date, the PRC is armed with more than 2,800 aircraft, of which 1,900 are combat aircraft.

The basis of the military power of the PRC Air Force is:

  • Xian-10 fighters;
  • Xian-8 fighters;
  • Su-27 fighters;
  • Su-30MKK fighters;
  • Su-30MK2 fighters.

The Chinese air force also has SC-19 ballistic missiles, which are equipped with a kinetic interceptor that can destroy satellites.

In 2013, China developed the fifth-generation J-20 fighter. It will go into service in 2020. The aircraft is equipped with a modern radar station (RLS), and its internal compartments can accommodate air-to-air, air-to-ground and air-to-ship missiles. The J-20 is capable of intercepting attack aircraft and fighter-bombers.

In 2015, China plans to start serial production of the first Chinese carrier-based fighter.

Strategic Missile Force

The strategic missile forces are armed with:

  • 66 intercontinental ballistic missiles;
  • 118 medium-range ballistic missiles;
  • 204 short-range ballistic missiles;
  • 54 land-based long-range cruise missiles;
  • about 150 strategic missile systems (PGRK).

The missile forces of the PRC consist of 60 ground-mobile solid-fuel systems DF-21 (an analogue of the Soviet system RSD-10 "Pioneer") and 30 ICBMs DF-31 / 31A (an analogue of the Russian system RS-12 "Topol"). It is expected that by 2015 the total number of mobile missile systems in China will reach 130-140 units.

China's arsenal of nuclear warheads is about 250 units.

A noticeable geopolitical trend of recent decades has been the rapid rise of China and its gradual transformation from a regional leader into a superpower that no longer hides its global ambitions. Today, China has the second economy in the world, and it continues to grow rapidly, more than a third of world GDP growth is provided by China.

However, a strong economy alone is not enough to realize global ambitions. The power of a state and the respect of its neighbors - as at all times - is determined by the ability of its armed forces to defend national interests.

It should be noted that estimates of Chinese military power vary greatly. From panic materials about the "yellow" threat that can capture the whole world, to an openly dismissive attitude towards the developments of the Chinese military-industrial complex. But still, most experts recognize the successes achieved by the Chinese military leadership in recent years. So, what is the modern army of China? Should she be afraid?

The country's armed forces are officially called the PLA - the People's Liberation Army of China, they were founded on August 1, 1927 during the civil war, but this name was received a little later, after the end of World War II. Today, the PLA is considered one of the strongest armies on the planet, experts put it in second or third place in the ranking of the armed forces of the countries of the world.

In accordance with the country's constitution, the PRC army is not subordinate to the government or the leadership of the Communist Party, but to a special body - the Central Military Council. The post of Chairman of the Central Military Commission is considered one of the key in the hierarchy of power, currently (since 2013) it has been occupied by the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Xi Jinping. The first chairman of the Central Military Council was Deng Xiaoping, one of the architects of the Chinese economic miracle.

As of 2013, the number of the PLA was 2 million 250 thousand people (according to other sources - 2.6 million). In 2016, another reduction of the Chinese armed forces by 300 thousand people was announced. After the implementation of these plans, approximately 2 million people will remain in the Chinese army.

The Chinese army is conscription, men are recruited into the armed forces at the age of 18 and remain in the reserve until the age of 50.

China continues to increase defense spending: if at the beginning of the 2000s the country spent $17 billion on the army and the military-industrial complex, then in 2013 this figure reached $188 billion (2% of GDP). In terms of military spending, China confidently ranks second, significantly ahead of Russia (with its $87.8 billion in 2013), but more than three times behind the United States ($640 billion).

The impressive success of the Chinese defense industry should also be noted. You can forget the times when the word "Chinese" was synonymous with something cheap, low quality and counterfeit. Today, China produces almost the entire range of weapons and ammunition. If earlier China mainly copied Soviet and Russian weapons, today the Chinese defense industry is trying to imitate the most technologically advanced products from the United States, Europe and Israel.

China still lags behind Russia in some areas: aircraft and rocket engines, submarines, cruise missiles - but this gap is rapidly closing. Moreover, the PRC is gradually turning into a powerful player in the global arms market, confidently occupying the niche of inexpensive and high-quality weapons.

History of the PLA

The history of the Chinese armed forces has more than four thousand years. However, the modern army of the PRC is the heir to the pro-communist armed groups that appeared during the civil war that took place in the country in the 20-30s of the last century. On August 1, 1927, an uprising began in the city of Nanchang, during which the so-called Red Army was founded under the leadership of the future leader of China, Mao Zedong.

The Red Army of China fought against the armed forces of the Kuomintang, then fought against the Japanese interventionists. It received the PLA name only after the end of World War II.

After the defeat of the Kwantung Army, the USSR handed over all Japanese weapons to the Chinese comrades. Chinese volunteers armed with Soviet weapons actively participated in the Korean War. The Soviet Union actively helped China to build a new army, and very quickly, numerous and quite combat-ready armed forces were created on the basis of semi-partisan formations.

After Stalin's death, relations between the PRC and the USSR began to deteriorate rapidly, and in 1969 there was a border conflict on Damansky Island, which almost escalated into a full-scale war.

Since the 1950s, the PLA has experienced several significant reductions, the most significant of which was carried out in the early 80s. Until that time, the Chinese army was mainly land, it was "sharpened" for a possible conflict with the USSR. As the likelihood of war in the north declined, the Chinese leadership began to pay more attention to the south: Taiwan, the disputed territories in the South China Sea.

In the 90s of the last century, the leadership of the PRC began a program of modernization of the national armed forces, which led to such an impressive growth in the future. More attention was paid to the development of the navy, missile forces and air force.

A few years ago, the beginning of a new reform of the PLA was officially announced. The transformation is already underway. The principle of formation of the armed forces of the armed forces has changed, new types of troops have been created. The goal of large-scale transformations is to achieve a new level of controllability of the PLA by 2020, optimize the structure of the army and create a military capable of winning in the era of information technology.

Structure of the PLA

The system of power of modern China provides for complete control over the national armed forces by the ruling Communist Party of the country. Each level of PLA organization has its own party control structures. At the same time, it should be noted that, in comparison with the middle of the last century, the influence of the party leadership and ideology on the armed forces has become less.

The main governing body of the PLA is the Central Military Council, which consists of the chairman, his deputy and members of the council, military personnel. There is also a Ministry of Defense in China, but its functions are reduced to a minimum: to the organization of international military cooperation and peacekeeping missions.

The reform, launched in 2016, primarily affected the management system of the PLA. Instead of four headquarters - the General Staff, the main logistics department, the main political department and the weapons department - fifteen compact departments were created, each of which deals with a separate direction and is subordinate to the Central Military Council.

The reform also affected the structure of the Chinese armed forces. As part of the PLA, a new type of troops appeared - the Strategic Support Forces, the country's military districts were reformatted. Previously, the territory of China was divided into seven military regions, on February 1, 2016 they were replaced by five military command zones:

  • Northern zone of military command. Its headquarters is in Shenyang City. The command structure includes four army groups. Its main task is to counter the military threat from North Korea, Mongolia, northern Japan and Russia.
  • Western Military Command Zone (headquarters in Chengdu). Controls most of the country's territory, but has no access to the sea. The task of the command is to ensure the security of Tibet, Xinjiang and other areas. The most important for China is the Indian direction, for which the Western Command is also responsible. It consists of three army groups and about ten separate divisions.
  • Southern Military Command Zone (Headquarters in Guangzhou). Controls the territory near the Vietnamese, Lao and Myanmar borders, it consists of three army groups.
  • Eastern Military Command Zone (headquartered in Nanjing). One of the most important areas for China, given the long-standing problem with Taiwan. The Chinese do not rule out the possibility of solving it by military means. The command structure includes three army groups.
  • Central Military Command Zone (Headquarters in Beijing). This command protects the capital of the country - Beijing, it includes five army groups at once, so the Central Command can be called strategic for the armed forces of the PRC.

Currently, the PLA includes five branches of service:

  • Ground troops;
  • Navy;
  • Air Force;
  • Strategic Rocket Forces;
  • Strategic support troops.

Land Forces of the People's Republic of China

China has the largest land army in the world. Experts estimate its number at 1.6 million people. It should be noted that the current reform of the PLA provides for a significant reduction in the Ground Forces. Currently, the Chinese army is continuing its transition from a divisional to a more flexible brigade structure.

The reserves of the Ground Forces are estimated at about 500 thousand people. At least 40% of the Chinese army is mechanized and armored.

Currently, the PLA is armed with more than eight thousand tanks, among which there are both obsolete (various modifications of the tank Type 59, Type 79 and Type 88) and new ones: Type 96 (various modifications), Type-98A, Type-99, Type-99A. The ground forces of the PLA also have 1490 infantry fighting vehicles and 3298 armored personnel carriers. More than 6 thousand towed guns, 1710 self-propelled howitzers, almost 1800 MLRS and more than 1.5 thousand anti-aircraft guns are in operation.

One of the main problems of the Chinese army (including the Ground Forces) is the amount of obsolete equipment and weapons that were developed on the basis of Soviet models at the end of the last century. However, this issue is gradually being resolved, and the troops are being saturated with modern types of weapons.

Air Force

The PRC Air Force is in third place in the world in terms of numbers (390 thousand people (according to other sources - 360 thousand), second only to the United States and Russia. The Air Force is divided into 24 air divisions. The PLA Air Force is armed with about 4 thousand combat aircraft of various types , models and missions, as well as more than a hundred combat helicopters.The Chinese Air Force also includes air defense units, which are armed with about 700 missile launchers and 450 radars of various types.

The main problem of the Chinese Air Force is the operation of a large number of obsolete vehicles (analogues of the Soviet MiG-21, MiG-19, Tu-16 and Il-28).

Serious modernization of the PRC Air Force began at the end of the last century. China has purchased several dozen of the latest Su-27 and Su-30 aircraft from Russia. Then the licensed production of these machines began in the PRC, and then the unlicensed one.

Since about the middle of the last decade, China has been developing its own fifth-generation fighters: the J-31 and J-20. The J-20 fighter was shown to the public last fall. The plans of the Chinese leadership are not only to equip their own Air Force with these machines, but also to actively export them.

Chinese Navy

Until the early 1990s, relatively little attention was paid to the development of naval forces in China. This type of troops was considered auxiliary, but since then the situation has changed dramatically. The leadership of the PRC has understood the importance of the Navy and spares no resources for its modernization.

At present, the strength of the Chinese Navy is 255 thousand people (according to other sources - 290 thousand). The Navy is divided into three fleets: the South, North and East Seas, respectively. The fleets are armed with surface ships, submarines, naval aviation, marine infantry units and coastal defense troops.

In 2013, the Chief of the General Staff of the PLA said that the main threats to modern China come from the sea, so the development of the Navy is a priority.

Rocket troops

Before the start of the reform, the Chinese Strategic Missile Forces were called the Second Artillery Corps, and only in 2016 did they receive a new status. Their number is approximately 100 thousand people.

Many questions are raised by the number of nuclear warheads that China currently possesses. Experts estimate their number from 100 to 650 pieces, but there is another opinion that over several decades, the PRC could produce several thousand nuclear warheads.

The Americans believe that by 2020 China will be able to put on combat duty up to 200 ICBMs (both silo-based and mobile-based) equipped with next-generation warheads. Of particular note are the latest Chinese missile systems Dongfyn-31NA (range 11,000 km) and Dongfyn-41 (14,000 km).

Strategic Support Troops

This is the youngest branch of the Chinese army, it appeared on December 31, 2016. There is very little information about the goals and objectives of the Strategic Support Forces. It was announced that they will be engaged in intelligence, information warfare, attacks in cyberspace, and electronic countermeasures.

If you have any questions - leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them.

If the world were perfect, then no armies and weapons would be needed and there would never be wars. But the reality is that threats both abroad and within the state put national security at risk. This reality forces many states to have a powerful army in the form of human potential and weapons.
There are several outstanding armies that are widely known for their size in combat experience and military equipment. They are among the ten largest armies in the world.

1. China

No wonder the world's most populous country, the Chinese People's Army, ranks first in the world in terms of army size. This nation is known not only for its large territory, but also for its huge population and, accordingly, the largest army. The Chinese People's Liberation Army was founded in 1927.

Its main part consists of citizens aged 18 to 49 years. The number of 2300000 people. Budget $129 billion per year. About 240 installations for launching nuclear missiles. The Chinese army is well trained and has large resources for weapons and mobilization resources in the event of a war, it can put 200,000,000 people under arms. It is armed with 8,500 tanks, 61 submarines, 54 surface ships and 4,000 aircraft.

Russian army

The Russian army is one of the most experienced in the world. Its number is 1,013,628 military personnel (according to the presidential decree of March 28, 2017). The annual budget is 64 billion dollars and ranks 3rd in the world in terms of spending on the army. There are 2,867 tanks, 10,720 armored vehicles, 2,646 self-propelled guns, and 2,155 towed artillery pieces in service. Russia also has the largest number of nuclear warheads in the world.

3.United States of America

US Army

The US Army was founded in 1775. The United States currently has 1,400,000 active military personnel and 1,450,000 active personnel. The defense budget is what really sets the US apart from all the other countries on the list, at over $689 billion a year.
The United States also has the most trained troops and a powerful arsenal. Its ground forces use 8,325 tanks, 18,539 armored combat vehicles, 1,934 self-propelled guns, 1,791 towed artillery pieces, and 1,330 nuclear warheads.

indian army

Located in southern Asia, India is the largest arms importer in the world. With a population of 1.325 thousand soldiers and officers. The army's military budget is $44 billion a year. Also in service are about 80 nuclear warheads.

5. North Korea

Army of North Korea

North Korea has a well-trained and well-coordinated army of 1,106,000, as well as a large number of reservists of 8,200,000 as of 2011. It also has a large number of weapons which include: 5400 tanks, 2580 armored vehicles, 1600 self-propelled guns, 3500 towed artillery pieces, 1600 air defense systems and other powerful weapons. Military service in this state is mandatory for all the term of service in the army is 10 years.
While the totalitarian regime in North Korea has built a large army, most of its military equipment is considered obsolete. However, they have nuclear weapons, which in turn threatens the stability of the world in this region.

6. South Korea

Photo of the South Korean army

Next on the list of the largest armies in the world is the South Korean army. In this state, the draft age is from 18 to 35 years, the term of service is 21 months.
Its armed forces are called the Army of the Republic of Korea. It uses both domestic weapons and imported ones. It is armed with 2,300 tanks, 2,600 armored vehicles, 30 air defense systems and 5,300 artillery pieces. The number of its troops reaches approximately 1,240,000 people.

7. Pakistan

pakistani army

The Pakistan Army rightfully ranks among the largest armies in the world. Its headcount is 617,000 people and the personnel reserve is about 515,500 people as of 2011.
Its ground forces use a wide range of weapons: 3,490 tanks, 5,745 armored vehicles, 1,065 self-propelled guns, and 3,197 towed artillery pieces. The Air Force is armed with 1,531 aircraft and 589 helicopters. The naval forces consist of 11 frigates and 8 submarines. With a budget of just over $5 billion, it is the smallest budget of the top ten military powers. Pakistan may be a small country in size, but it is undoubtedly one of the largest armies in the world in terms of size and military prowess. Also, this army is a permanent ally of the United States.

Iranian army

It is said that the most powerful army in the Middle East is the Iranian army. Iran is also known for its large troop strength. It has about 545,000 men, divided into 14 infantry divisions and 15 air bases. Their army is equipped with 2895 tanks, 1500 armored vehicles, 310 self-propelled guns, 860 air defense systems, 1858 aircraft and 800 helicopters. The defense budget is just over $10 billion.

Turkish army

Turkey has the largest army at the point of contact between Asia and Europe. Citizens are called up for service from the age of 20. The call lasts approximately from 6 to 15 months, depending on the educational level of the students. The number of the Turkish army is 1,041,900 people, of which 612,900 are regular military personnel and 429,000 are in the reserve. Its army is also well armed and has 4460 tanks, 1500 self-propelled guns, 7133 armored vehicles, 406 air defense systems, 570 aircraft and helicopters. The annual budget of this army is 19 billion dollars.

10 Israel

Israeli army

The army of the State of Israel is known as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Every year men who have reached the age of 18 are subject to conscription. Every year about 121,000 men can be drafted into the army to serve in any of its military units. Currently, the Israeli army consists of 187,000 regular soldiers and a reserve of 565,000 people. As a result, the number of troops of the Israel Defense Forces is about 752,000. The army is equipped with the latest technology and is armed with 3870 tanks, 1775 armored vehicles, 706 self-propelled guns, 350 towed artillery pieces, and 48 air defense systems.

Not all countries in the world need a large army for reliable protection. However, the maintenance of peace and order would not be possible without a well-organized and well-armed army.


CHINA ARMED FORCES
CHINA'S MILITARY

08.03.2019


China plans to increase defense spending by another 7.5% in 2019. Thus, military spending will amount to 1.19 trillion. yuan (177.61 billion dollars). This is reported by Xinhua News Agency.
Despite the general increase in defense spending, the agency notes that for several years now there has been a noticeable trend towards a slight slowdown in the growth of military spending in relation to the country's GDP: from 1.22% to 1.20%. On the other hand, in the past four years, China's defense spending has only increased and from 2016 to 2018 amounted to 896.9 billion yuan, 1.044 trillion, respectively. yuan and 1.107 trillion. yuan.
The increase in military spending is due to the implementation of reforms aimed at increasing the combat readiness of the Chinese Armed Forces, increasing the emphasis on military-civilian integration and accelerating the introduction of innovations in the field of defense technologies.
The funds will be directed, among other things, to the implementation of a number of important military-technical projects, including: magnetized plasma artillery systems, ground-based laser systems, and short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles. The start of construction of the third aircraft carrier and testing of the Type-055 URO class destroyer was also noted.
According to analysts of the publication, despite the increase in military spending, the budget for 2019 can be seen as another evidence of a slowdown in the growth of defense spending in China after the global financial crisis of 2008-2009.
Military review

USA NOTICED INCREASED MILITARY ACTIVITY OF PRC IN SOUTH CHINA SEA


08.01.2020


A report by the American research center CSIS titled "How is China modernizing its nuclear forces?" was published on the Chinese Internet, according to Military Parity.
It provides a table of Chinese ICBMs and IRBMs with information for 2019 by missile system model, year of deployment, class, firing range, number of land-based strategic missile warheads.
Also shown is a table with the characteristics of submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) ​​of the US Navy, the Russian Navy, the French Navy and China with data on the user's country, type of SLBM, status, firing range, number of missile systems warheads.
It also provides graphical information on the share of radioactive materials by country in the World System, where Russia has 56.09%, the USA - 34.97%, France - 2.63, Great Britain - 1.40%, China - 1.27% and other countries - 3.63%.
Also published data on stocks of nuclear materials (weapon-grade plutonium): Russia - 128 tons, USA - 79.8 tons, France - 6 tons, Great Britain - 3.2 tons, China - 2.9 tons, other countries - 8.9 tons.
Military-technical cooperation "Bastion"




CHINA ARMED FORCES
CHINA PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY

The People's Liberation Army of China (PLA, Chinese pall.: Zhongguo Renmin Jiefang Jun) is the official name of the PRC armed forces, the largest in terms of numbers in the world (2,250,000 people in active service). The army was founded on August 1, 1927 as a result of the Nanchang uprising as the communist "Red Army", under the leadership of Mao Zedong during the Chinese Civil War (1930s) organized major raids (Long March of the Chinese Communists). The name "People's Liberation Army of China" began to be used in relation to the armed forces formed in the summer of 1946 from the CPC troops - the 8th Army, the New 4th Army and the Northeast Army; after the proclamation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, this name began to be used in relation to the country's armed forces.
Legislation provides for military service for men from the age of 18; volunteers are accepted until the age of 49. The age limit for an army reserve soldier is 50 years. In wartime, theoretically (without taking into account restrictions on material support), up to 60 million people can be mobilized.
The PLA does not report directly to the party or the government, but to two special Central Military Commissions - state and party. Usually these commissions are identical in composition, and the term TsVK is used in the singular. The post of chairman of the CEC is a key one for the entire state. In recent years, it usually belongs to the Chairman of the PRC, but in the 1980s, for example, the CEC was headed by Deng Xiaoping, who was actually the leader of the country (formally, he never
He was neither the Chairman of the People's Republic of China, nor the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, and he occupied the post of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party earlier, even under Mao before the "cultural revolution").
In terms of territorial distribution, the armed forces are divided into seven military regions and three fleets organized on a territorial basis: in Beijing, Nanjing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Lanzhou and Jinan.

GROUND-BASED STRATEGIC FORCES

The total potential is estimated at 400 nuclear weapons, of which 260 are formally on strategic carriers. Meanwhile, there are different opinions on this matter. For example, the fact that China, as of 2010, had only 240 nuclear warheads, of which only 175 were on duty. Alternatively, Beijing possesses more than 3,500 nuclear weapons, with 200 new-generation warheads produced annually. For each of the launchers, there are up to five missiles, which allegedly indicates the intention to both hide the real size of the arsenal, which is usually measured by the number of carriers, and the readiness to deliver a nuclear strike in several waves.
It seems more realistic that China's nuclear potential does not exceed 300 strategic munitions, including free-fall bombs with a yield of 15-40 kt, as well as 3 mt, missile warheads with a charge of 3 to 5 mt, and more modern 200-300 kiloton warheads. . Another 150 munitions could be placed on medium and shorter range ballistic missiles, and possibly cruise missiles.
According to the forecasts of American experts, by 2020 China may reach the potential of the so-called "doctrinal" or limited nuclear deterrence. Up to 200 ICBMs will be on combat duty, both silo and truck-mounted. The basis will be the Dongfyn-31NA and Dongfyn-41 complexes with a range of 11 and 14 thousand km, respectively, and the latter can carry up to 10 warheads (both warheads and decoys).

According to the London International Institute for Strategic Studies, the PLA Rocket Forces had only 458 ballistic missiles in service at the end of 2015.
Of these, 66 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), namely: DF-4 (CSS-3) - 10 units; DF-5A (CSS-4 Mod 2) - 20 units; DF-31 (CSS-9 Mod 1) - 12 units; DF-31A (CSS-9 Mod 2) - 24 units Medium-range missiles 134 units, namely: DF-16 (CSS-11) - 12 units; DF-21/DF-21A (CSS-5 Mod 1/2) - 80 units; DF-21C (CSS-5 Mod 3) - 36 units; anti-ship ballistic missiles DF-21D (CSS-5 Mod 5) - 6 units. Short-range ballistic missiles 252 units, including: DF-11A/M-11A (CSS-7 Mod 2) - 108 units; DF-15M-9 (CSS-6) - 144 units. Ground-based cruise missiles DH-10-54 units.
According to the US intelligence community, the PLA Rocket Forces have approximately 75-100 intercontinental ballistic missiles in service, including silo-based DF-5A (CSS-4 Mod 2) and DF-5B (CSS-4 Mod 2); mobile ground-based missile systems DF-31 (CSS-9 Mod 1) and DS-31A (CSS-9 Mod 2) with a solid-propellant intercontinental-range ballistic missile and intermediate-range ballistic missiles DF-4 (CSS-3). This arsenal is complemented by the DF-21 (CSS-5 Mod 6) PGRK with a medium-range solid-propellant ballistic missile.
As part of the strategic ground-based forces deployed about 180 ballistic missiles of five types: DF-4, DF-5A, DF-21, DF-31 and DF-31A. It is generally accepted that they all carry one warhead.
DF-4 (CSS-3) is a liquid-propellant two-stage medium-range ballistic missile (MIRBM) of mobile and silo-based. This IRBM will be replaced by the solid-propellant IRBM DF-21, its modification DF-21A and the solid-propellant intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) DF-31.
DF-5A (CSS-4 Mod 2) - silo-based liquid ICBM - since 1981 began to replace the silo-based liquid ICBM
DF-5. The DF-5A ICBMs are designed to deter the United States and Russia. If the PRC, in response to the US deployment of a missile defense system in the Asia-Pacific region, decides to increase the number of deployed warheads, then the DF-5A ICBM will be able to carry up to three lightweight warheads in the future.
DF-21 (CSS-5) and its modifications are mobile-based solid-propellant IRBMs. The DF-21 is currently China's main means of regional nuclear deterrence. Since 2005, the United States has recorded a significant increase in the number of deployed DF-21 IRBMs. If in 2005, according to the calculations of the US defense department, about 20 such missiles were deployed, in 2010 their number was approximately 80 units. The DF-21 IRBM has several modifications (A, C), of which the DF-21C IRBM can be used both in conventional and nuclear equipment.
DF-31 (CSS-9) and modification DF-31A (CSS-9 Mod 2) are three-stage solid propellant mobile-based ICBMs. They are placed on a three-axle transport and launcher (TPU) inside a 15-meter container. US intelligence agencies believe that the mission of the DF-31A should be the strategic deterrence of the United States. In turn, the DF-31 ICBMs in the future will have to take on a major role in the implementation of regional deterrence. It should be noted that the adoption of the DF-31 ICBM in 2003 significantly reduced the gap between China and Russia and the United States in the development of strategic missile weapons.
In 2014, China confirmed that it had a number of DF-26C medium-range missiles (range 3,500 km), the so-called "Guam killers", with nuclear warheads. Since 2007, ground-based launchers have also deployed from 40 to 55 CJ-10 cruise missiles with a range of 1,500 km, their total arsenal is estimated at 500 units.
In December 2014, China tested the DF-41 ICBM, which carried several maneuvering warheads, which became a kind of confirmation of gaining access to the technology of multiple reentry vehicles (MIRV or MIRV). The National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) estimates that the DF-41 can carry up to 10 warheads. This technology will also be used to build DF-31B missiles. Thus, after the development of this technology, PRC strategic nuclear missiles can carry several warheads, as well as decoys, which will increase both the strike potential and the survivability of warheads when overcoming the missile defense system.
The anti-ship ballistic missile DF-21D, capable of hitting a mobile surface individual target at a distance of up to 1,500 km, can also serve as a kind of deterrent weapon. The missile has already been dubbed the "carrier killer" and is expected to deploy before the end of 2015.

Short range ballistic missiles
The second artillery of the PLA has at least five active brigades of short-range ballistic missiles (BRMD) DF-15. In addition, there are two brigades armed with the DF-11 operational-tactical missile (OTR) and subordinate to the ground forces - one is located in the Nanjing military region, and the other in the Guangzhou military region. All BRMD and OTR units are deployed in areas in close proximity to the Taiwan Strait.
The DF-15 (CSS-6) entered service in 1995. In recent years, the production of its modified version, the DF-15A, with increased firing accuracy and the ability to maneuver the warhead in the final section of the trajectory, has continued.
The DF-11 (CSS-7) entered service in 1998. In subsequent years, as a result of work on the modernization of the rocket, its maximum firing range was significantly increased. An improved version of this missile, called the DF-11A, was put into service in 2000.

cruise missiles
CJ-10 (DH-10) is a cruise missile (CR) designed to strike ground targets. The ability of this CD to carry nuclear weapons remains unclear. In the United States, it is referred to as a dual-use CR. The US Department of Defense believes that the CJ-10 missiles, which can be launched from both ground and air carriers, should increase the survivability, flexibility and effectiveness of China's nuclear forces. However, according to some reports, these missiles are currently deployed mainly on ground-based launchers in conventional equipment. At the same time, there is a strong disproportion in the number of missiles and their carriers. According to the US Department of Defense, the number of deployed carriers intended for the CJ-10 KR in 2010 was about 50 units, and the number of CJ-10 KR themselves increased by 50% in 2009-2010 - from 150-350 units in 2009 up to 200-500 units in 2010.

GROUND TROOPS
Ground forces: 1,830,000 people, 7 military districts, 21 combined arms army (44 infantry, 10 tank and 5 artillery divisions), 12 tank, 13 infantry and 20 artillery brigades, 7 helicopter regiments, 3 airborne divisions (brought into airborne corps), 5 separate infantry divisions, a separate tank and 2 infantry brigades, a separate artillery division, 3 separate artillery brigades, 4 anti-aircraft artillery brigades, local troops: 12 infantry divisions, mountain infantry, 4 infantry brigades, 87 infantry battalions, 50 engineering regiments, 50 communications regiments. Reserve: 1,000,000 people, 50 divisions (infantry, artillery, anti-aircraft missile), 100 separate regiments (infantry and artillery). Armament: about 10,000 tanks (of which 1,200 are light), 5,500 armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles, 14,500 PA guns, ATGM launchers, 100 2S23 Nona-SVK guns, 2,300 MLRS of 122.130 and 273 mm calibers, 15,000 anti-aircraft artillery mounts, launcher missiles , more than 143 helicopters.

AIR FORCE
Air Force 470,000 people (including hours 220,000 - in air defense), 3,566 b. With.

Since 2016, the Air Force has been divided into five territorial commands, replacing the seven former military districts.
In general, the Air Force retains the traditional structure and consists of divisions, each of which has three (sometimes two) air regiments. A regiment is armed with planes or helicopters of the same type; a division can have regiments with different planes. Recently, several divisions have been disbanded, and the regiments that were part of them have been renamed brigades (identical in composition to the previous regiment).
The Northern Command includes formations of the former Shenyang and Jingnan military regions. These are eight divisions, four aviation brigades, two anti-aircraft missile and anti-aircraft artillery brigades, and a radio engineering regiment.
The central command includes formations of the former Beijing and part of the Lanzhou military districts.
The training and testing center is under the dual subordination of the Central Command and the Air Force Command and includes four brigades: 170, 171, 172 and 175th. The 34th division is also in dual subordination, it includes the 100th, 101st and 102nd regiments, equipped with transport, passenger and special aircraft and helicopters. In addition, the Air Force of the Central Command has four divisions, a reconnaissance aviation regiment, an aerobatic team "August 1", the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th air defense divisions, and the 9th radio engineering brigade.
The Western Command includes formations of the former Chengdu and most of the Lanzhou military districts. It consists of five divisions, four aviation and one air defense brigades, three anti-aircraft missile regiments.
The Southern Command was formed on the basis of the former Guangzhou Military Region. It consists of five divisions, three aviation brigades, a helicopter regiment in Hong Kong, a combat UAV brigade, two anti-aircraft missile brigades and an anti-aircraft missile regiment.
The Eastern Command was formed on the basis of the former Nanjing Military Region. It consists of five divisions, four aviation, one combat UAV, two anti-aircraft missile brigades.

Airborne Strategic Forces

The strategic aviation has just over 80 H-6 (Hong-6) bombers (Chinese version of the Soviet Tu-16 bomber) of various modifications (E, F, H). The H-6 is capable of carrying up to three nuclear bombs. Part of the H-6 bombers in recent years has been upgraded and gained the ability to carry nuclear cruise missiles. In addition, some of them had updated electronic equipment.
In 2011, a deeply modernized version of the aircraft appeared, equipped with Russian engines, more advanced avionics and capable of carrying six CJ-10A cruise missiles (a copy of the Russian Kh-55). The combat radius of the H-6K has been increased to 3,500 km, and missiles can hit a target at a distance of up to 2,500 km. Probably, today the number of these aircraft in the PRC Air Force is about 20.

Non-strategic air-based forces

Information is even more limited on the size and composition of China's non-strategic nuclear arsenal. Non-strategic nuclear weapons in the PLA are equipped with the second artillery and ground forces, as well as front-line (tactical) aviation of the Air Force. The most famous fighter-bomber Qiang-5 (Qiang-5) and its modifications (D, E), capable of carrying one atomic bomb. To replace the obsolete Q-5, a new Q-7 fighter-bomber is being developed, but there is no data yet on whether it will carry nuclear weapons.
The front-line bomber of the PLA Air Force is the JH-7A. There are up to 140 such machines, their production continues. In addition to conventional aviation weapons, they are capable of carrying B-4 nuclear bombs (there are at least 320 of them in their arsenals).
The Q-5 attack aircraft was created in China on the basis of the J-6 fighter (a copy of the old Soviet MiG-19) in many modifications. Currently, up to 162 Q-5s of the latest modifications (J / K / L) remain in service. They can also carry B-4 nuclear bombs. At least 58 Q-5s are in storage.
The basis of the fighter aviation of the PLA Air Force is the heavy fighters of the Su-27/J-11/Su-30/J-16 family. In Russia, 36 Su-27SK, 40 combat training Su-27UBK and 76 Su-30MKK were purchased. In China itself, 105 J-11A (a copy of the Su-27SK) was produced under license, and then unlicensed production of the J-11B and its combat training version J-11BS began. Unlicensed production of the J-16 (a copy of the Su-30) is also being launched, which is currently being delivered to naval aviation. The PLA Air Force currently has 67 Su-30s and up to 266 Su-27/J-11s (from 130 to 134 Su-27SKs and J-11As, from 33 to 37 Su-27UBKs, up to 82 J-11Vs, from 13 to 17 J-11BS), J-11B/BS production continues.
The first Chinese AWACS aircraft were created on the basis of the transport Y-8 (the prototype of which is the Soviet An-12). These are four Y-8Ts, three KJ-500s and six KJ-200s (aka Y-8Ws). In addition, five KJ-2000s were purchased in Russia, based on the Russian A-50, but with a Chinese radar.
Electronic warfare aircraft were created on the basis of the same Y-8, in total there are from 20 to 24. There are also seven Y-9JB / XZ / G REW aircraft.
Transport and passenger (VIP) aircraft - 12 Boeing-737, 3 A-319, 7 Tu-154 (up to 3 more in storage), 20 Il-76, 5 Canadian CRJ-200ER and CRJ-700, 7 CRJ -702, at least 5 latest domestic Y-20, 57 Y-8C, 7 Y-9, up to 20 Y-11, 8 Y-12, 61 Y-7 (copy of An-24, 2-6 more in storage) , at least 36 Y-5 (copy of An-2, at least 4 more in storage). Tu-154, Y-5, Y-7, Y-8 are being gradually decommissioned, Il-76 are being purchased in Russia, Y-9 are being produced, serial production of the first Chinese heavy transport aircraft Y-20 will be started in the near future.
A significant part of the helicopters of the PLA Armed Forces is in service with the army and naval aviation. The Air Force has a small number of transport, passenger and rescue vehicles: 6-9 French AS332L, 3 European EC225LP, up to 35 Russian Mi-8 (up to 6 more in storage) and 12 Mi-17, 17 Z-9V (copy of the French SA365) , 12–24 Z-8 (copy of French SA321).
According to the latest statistics, the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force has 5 helicopter brigades and 5 helicopter regiments. The total number of helicopters in service is 569, including 212 Mi-17s, 19 S-70 Blackhawks, 33 Z-8s, 269 Z-9s, 24 Z-10s and 12 Z-19s.

The 1st Army Aviation Helicopter Regiment was founded in 1987 and today it has 55 helicopters. The regiment consists of four groups:
1st and 2nd groups 22 Mi-17 and 8 Mi-17V-5
3rd and 4th groups 25 Z-9WZ

The 2nd Helicopter Brigade of the Chinese Air Force was created in 1991, it is armed with 69 vehicles. The brigade includes 5 groups:
1st and 2nd groups 5 Mi-171, 15 Mi-17V-5 and three Mi-17V-7
3rd Group 19 S-70C
4th group 15 Mi-171E
5th group 12 Z-9WZ

The 3rd Helicopter Brigade of the Chinese Army was established in 1991 and includes 72 helicopters. The 3rd brigade consists of 6 groups:
1, 2, 3, 4th groups 3 Mi-171, 3 Mi-17-1V, 11 Mi-17V-5, 16 Mi-17V-7 and 15 Mi-171E
5th and 6th groups 24 Z-9WZ

The 4th PLA Army Aviation Regiment was created in 1991. Today it is armed with 36 helicopters. It consists of three groups:
1st Group 4 Y-7 and 4 Y-8 transport aircraft
2nd group 8 Mi-171, 4 Mi-171E and 4 Mi-17V-5
3rd group 12 Z-9WZ

The 5th Helicopter Brigade of the PLA Army Aviation was established in 1997 with a total of 75 helicopters. The 5th brigade consists of six groups:
1st group 15 Mi-171
2nd Group 12 Z-8B
3rd, 4th and 5th group 3 Z-9A 5 Z-9W, 6 Z-9WA and 22 Z-9WZ
6th group of 12 latest combat helicopters Z-10

The 6th brigade was created in 1997, includes a total of 75 helicopters in 6 groups:
1st group 15 Mi-171
2nd group of 12 Z-8B helicopters
3, 4, 5, 6th groups 1 Z-9, 2 Z-9A, 6 Z-9W, 1 Z-9WA and 38 Z-9WZ

The 7th Helicopter Regiment of the People's Liberation Army was established in 2002 and includes 39 helicopters. It is divided into three groups:
1st group 6 Mi-17V-5 and 9 Z-8A
2, 3rd groups 4 Z-9W and 20 Z-9WZ

The 8th Helicopter Brigade was created in 1988. Its 6 groups are armed with 76 helicopters:
1st group 9 Mi-171 and 4 Mi-171E
2nd, 3rd and 4th groups 14 Z-9A, 8 Z-9W, 4 Z-9WA and 13 Z-9WZ
5th Group 12 Z-19 attack helicopters
6th Group 12 Z-10 attack helicopters

The 9th Helicopter Regiment of the PLA Army Aviation was created in 1988, it consists of three groups and 39 helicopters:
1st group 6 Mi-17V-5 and 4 Mi-171E
2nd and 3rd groups 6 Z-9A, 7 Z-9W and 12 Z-9WZ.

The 10th Helicopter Regiment of the PLA Army Aviation was created in 2004 with three groups and 39 helicopters:
1st and 2nd groups 2 Z-9WA and 25 Z-9WZ
3rd group 12 Mi-171E

Aircraft and helicopter fleet: 120 N-6 (Tu-16). 120 Il-28.400 Q-5. 1800 J-6 (B, D and E) (MiG-19), 500 J-7 (MiG-21), 180 J-8.48 Su-27, HZ-5.150JZ-5.100JZ-6.18 "VAeTrident -1Ei-2E", 10 Il-18, Il-76, 300 Y-5 (An-2), 25 Y-7 (An-24), 25 Y-8 (An-12), 15 Y-11, 2 Y-12. 6 AS-332, 4 Bell 214, 30 Mi-8, 100 Z-5 (Mi-4), 50 Z-9 (SA-365N).

The PLA anti-aircraft missile forces are armed with 110-120 anti-aircraft missile systems (battalions) HQ-2, HQ-61, HQ-7, HQ-9, HQ-12, HQ-16, S-300PMU, S-300PMU-1 and 2, for a total of about 700 launchers. According to this indicator, China is second only to our country (about 1,500 PU). However, at least a third of this number of Chinese air defense systems is accounted for by obsolete HQ-2s (similar to S-75 air defense systems), which are being actively replaced.
The basis of the ground air defense of the PLA Air Force is the Russian long-range air defense system S-300, which was acquired by China in the amount of 25 divisions (8 launchers each, 4 missiles per launcher) in three modifications. These are one regiment (2 divisions) S-300PMU (an analogue of the oldest modification of this air defense system - S-300PT), two regiments (4 divisions each) S-300PMU1 (S-300PS), four regiments (15 divisions: 3 regiments of 4 divisions , 1 regiment - 3 divisions) S-300PMU2 (S-300PM). On the basis of the S-300, the Chinese HQ-9 air defense system was created (although it is not a complete copy of our system). Now there are at least 12 divisions (8 launchers for 4 missiles each) of this air defense system in service, production continues.

NAVY
The Navy is about 230,000 people. (including more than 40,000 cf. Art.). Operational fleets: Northern, Eastern, Southern. FLEET: squadrons: submarines (6), escort ships (7), MTK (3); training flotilla; 20 naval base;

Sea-based strategic forces

China's plans for the creation and deployment of a strategic submarine fleet remain closed.
The first Chinese nuclear-powered ballistic missile boat (SSBN) of project 092 "Xia" entered service in 1987 and is equipped with 12 Juilang-1 (Big Wave) missiles with a range of up to 2,500 km. Until recently, she was not on combat duty, constantly defending herself in the Jiangezhuang base near Qingdao.
The first Jin-class SSBN launched and undergoing sea trials is believed to be assigned to the Yulin Naval Base on Hainan Island. Two more Jin-class SSBNs are currently being built at a shipyard in Hulodao City, Liaoning Province.

The Xia-class SSBN has 12 launchers designed to carry JL-1 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). It is assumed that the Xia-class SSBN is intended primarily for technology development. Jin-class SSBNs (approximately 135 m long) also have 12 launchers for JL-2 SLBMs.
In May 2008, the PLA Navy conducted tests in the Yellow Sea of ​​a new ballistic missile submarine (SLBM) "Juilang-2" (sea version of DF-31, range 7,400 km), designed to be placed on board the new SSBNs of project 094 "Jin" (12 missiles) and subsequent. According to some reports, a large underground submarine base with a capacity of up to 20 pennants has been built in the south of Hainan Island, completely closed to tracking from space. In May 2007, two new SSBNs were visible in a Google Earth image at Huludao Base. As of early 2010, the PRC may have had three Jin-class boats.
The JL-2 SLBM is currently completing flight tests. If these SLBMs are put into service, they will be able to cover the entire territory of India, the Hawaiian Islands, the island of Guam and most of Russia (including Moscow), even if the SSBNs are on patrol in the territorial waters of the PRC.
By 2020, the number of SSBNs in the PLA Navy, according to American data, can be increased to eight. Also, according to some reports, a new generation SSBN of project 096 is being developed in China, the first of which may enter service in 2020.

ship composition: SSBN pr.092 "Xia", 5 SSBN pr.091 "Han", 63 submarines (1 pr.039 "Sun", 4 pr.636/877EKM, 17 pr.035 "Min", 41 pr.033 "Romeo"). 2 OPL, 19 EM URO (1 pr.054 "Lyuhai", 2 pr.052 "Luhui". 16 pr.051 "Luyda"), 37 FR URO (2 pr. "Jiangwei-1", 1 pr.053 "Jianghu-2", 26 pr.053 "Jianghu-1", 4 pr.053/NT "Jianghu-3/4", 92 RCA (4 pr.037/2 Houjian, 20 project 037/10 Houxing, 37 project 021 Huangfen, 1 Hoda, 30 project 024 "Hegu"/"Heku"), 17 TKA project 025/026 "Huchuan" , more than 100 PKA (about 90 project 037 Hainan, about 20 project 037/1 Haiju, 4 Haiqi), more than 100 AKA project 062 Shanghai-2 and 11 project 062/1 " Haizhui, 34 MTK (27 project 010 T-43, 7 Vosao). 1 GP "Will". 17 TCC (6 project 074 Yuting, 8 project 072 Yukan. 3 Shan), 32 MCC (1 project 073 Yuden, 1 Yudao, 31 project 079 Yulin), 9 MDK project 074 "Yuhai", 4DVTR "Qunsha", 44 DKA (36 project 067 "Yunnan", 8 project 068/069 "Yushin"), 9 DKVP "Jinsha". 2 UK. 3 TRS (2 Fuxin, 1 Naiyun), 10 PB PL (3 Daiyan, 1 Dazhi, 2 Dazhou, 4 Dalian), 1 SS PL, 2 SS, 1 PM, 20 TR. 38 TN, 53 specialized boots (including 4 KIK, 7 RZK), 4 LED, 49 BUK. AVIATION: 25,000 people, 8 hell (27 an). Aircraft - about 685 (22 Hong-6, about 60 Hong-5. 40 Qiang-5, 295 Tseyayi-6, 66 Tseyan-7, 54 Jian-8. 7 " Shuihong-5", 50 Y-5, 4 Y-7. 6 Y-8. 2 Yak-42. 6 An-26, 53 RT-b, 16 JJ-6. 4 JJ.7); helicopters - 43 (9 SA-321. 12 Zhi-8, 12 Zhi-9A. 10 Mi-8). MP: about 5,000 people, 1 brigade (battalions: 3 pb, 1 mb, 1 amphibious tanks, 1 artillery division), special forces units. Armament: tanks T-59, T-63, armored personnel carriers, 122-mm PA guns, MLRS, ATGM, MANPADS BO: 28,000 people, 25 districts, 35 missile artillery regiments (SCRC "Haiin-2, -4", 85 -, 100-, 130-mm weapons).

NUCLEAR WEAPONS PRODUCTION AND STORAGE FACILITIES

The issues of China's nuclear weapons production and storage are no less closed than the quantitative and qualitative indicators of China's nuclear weapons.
Recently, there have been quite a lot of speculations about the fact that the PRC has created a large underground central storage facility designed to store nuclear weapons. According to one source, this vault is located northwest of the Mianyang city district in Sichuan province. According to others, it may be located in the Qinling Mountain Range in Taibai County in Shaanxi Province. At the same time, it is argued that on any given day, most of the PRC's nuclear arsenal could be moved to a central storage facility. In addition, each of China's five main missile bases may also have regional storage facilities.
As far as fissile weapons-grade materials are concerned, according to US military intelligence, the PRC has most likely already produced enough weapons-grade fissile material to meet its needs in the near future. It is also possible that the new nuclear warheads for the DF-31, DF-31A and JL-2 ballistic missiles have already been produced. However, this circumstance should not cause a significant increase in the total number of warheads, since it is assumed that obsolete nuclear warheads will be decommissioned over the next few years.
In terms of the number of nuclear warheads (250), China is second only to Russia (8000), the United States (7300) and France (300). And ahead of the UK (225), Pakistan (120), India (110) and North Korea (8). There is also Israel, which either has or does not have 80 nuclear charges - the nuclear program of this country is shrouded in darkness and obscurity.

The main scientific and industrial resources of the PRC nuclear program
- China Institute of Atomic Energy, Tuoli near Beijing (3 research reactors);
— Institute of Nuclear Energy of China, Chengdu, Sichuan Province;
– Chinese Academy of Engineering Physics, Mianyang, Sichuan Province (“Chinese Los Alamos”, 6 research reactors, 8 out of 11 institutes of the academy);
— Northwestern Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an, Shanxi Province;
- Northwest Ninth Academy of Nuclear Weapons Research and Development, Haiyan, Qinghai Province;
— Institute for Nuclear Research, Shanghai;
- Plant No. 404, Jiuquan near Subei, Ganxi Province (production of nuclear weapons materials and assembly of ammunition);
- Plant No. 821, Guangyuan, Sichuan Province (ammunition assembly);
— Plant No. 202, Baotou, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (production of tritium, lithium deuteride, fuel for nuclear power plants);
— Plant No. 905, Helanshan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (beryllium production);
— Plant No. 812, Yibin, Sichuan Province (production of tritium, lithium deuteride, fuel for nuclear power plants);
- Harbin (production of ammunition);
— Heping, Sichuan Province (uranium enrichment);
— Lanzhou, Gansu Province (uranium enrichment).

The size of the Chinese army can be the envy of any modern sovereign state. According to official estimates, as part of the armed forces of the Celestial Empire,...

Army of China: strength, composition, armament

By Masterweb

22.05.2018 02:00

The size of the Chinese army can be the envy of any modern sovereign state. According to official estimates, more than 2 million people are involved in the armed forces of the Middle Kingdom. The Chinese themselves call their troops the People's Liberation Army of China. There is not a single example of a more numerous military force in the world. Experts say that in recent years the number of Chinese soldiers has decreased due to the new military-political doctrine. According to it, the main stake in the PRC army is now placed not on the amount of manpower, but on the quality of weapons and equipment of the troops.

The history of the formation of the Chinese armed forces

Despite the fact that the intrastate militarization of the PRC was first carried out in 1927, its history dates back much earlier. Scientists believe that in fact the army of Ancient China was formed about 4 millennia ago. And there is evidence for this.

We are talking about the so-called terracotta army of China. This name was adopted to describe the terracotta statues of warriors at the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang in Xi'an. Full-sized sculptures were buried in the III century BC. e. along with the body of the emperor of the Qin dynasty, whose policy achievement was the unification of the Chinese state and the connection of the links of the Great Wall.

Historiographers report that the future ruler started building his tomb when he was still 13 years old. According to the idea of ​​Ying Zheng (that was the name of the emperor before ascending the throne), the sculptures of warriors were supposed to remain next to him even after death. The construction of the mausoleum required the efforts of about 700 thousand workers. Construction lasted almost 40 years. Contrary to tradition, clay copies of warriors were buried with the ruler instead of living soldiers. The Terracotta Army of China was discovered in 1974 while drilling an artesian well near the ancient Chinese capital, Xi'an.

If we talk about the modern legions of this country, then they are the direct heirs of the communist combat units that arose during intrastate battles in the 20-30s of the previous century. One fateful date stands out from the history of the People's Army of China. On August 1, 1927, an uprising took place in the city of Nanchang, which became the very driving lever in the founding mechanism of the then-called Red Army. The then armed forces were headed by the future leader of the PRC, Mao Zedong.

The PLA (People's Liberation Army of China) received its current name only after the end of World War II, and from the moment it was formed, it was the Red Army that fought against the military units of the Kuomintang and the Japanese interventionists.

After the devastating surrender of Japan, the Soviet Union decided to transfer the weapons of the Kwantung Army to a neighboring friendly state. Volunteer formations equipped with weapons from the USSR took an active part in the war on the Korean Peninsula. Thanks to the efforts and help of Stalin, the Chinese were able to build new combat-ready troops. Far from the last role in the formation of the armed forces of the Middle Kingdom of that period was played by semi-partisan associations. In 1949, after the proclamation of the People's Republic of China, the army acquired the status of a regular armed forces.

The development of Chinese troops in the second half of the twentieth century

After the death of Joseph Stalin, relations between the once partner countries began to deteriorate, and in 1969 a serious border conflict broke out between the USSR and the PRC on Damansky Island, which almost caused the outbreak of a full-scale war.

Since the 1950s, the Chinese army has been repeatedly subjected to significant reductions. The most significant, which was reflected in the number of active troops, occurred in the 80s. At that time, the Chinese army was represented mainly by ground forces, that is, imprisoned for a probable military conflict with the Soviet Union.


After some time, relations between the countries stabilized. The Chinese, realizing that the threat of war from the northern side had passed, turned their attention to internal problems. Since 1990, the country's leadership has launched a large-scale program to improve the current model of the national army. China is still actively modernizing its navy, aviation, and missile forces.

From 1927 to the present day, tremendous work has been done to reform the PLA. Successfully carried out transformations led to a new division of the army according to territorial affiliation, the formation of new types of troops. The country's leadership, led by Xi Jinping, sees it as their goal to achieve the highest level of controllability and combat capability of the Chinese army, optimize the structure of combat units and create troops that have an advantage in the era of information technology.

Indicators of the armed forces of the PRC

As in a number of other states, compulsory military service has been introduced in China's legislative acts. However, the number of people striving to get into the ranks of the regular troops is so large that in the entire history of the existence of the PRC army (since 1949), a formal conscription by the authorities has not been carried out. It is a matter of honor for every Chinese, regardless of gender, to pay a debt to the Motherland by military service. In addition, military craft is the only way for most Chinese peasants to feed their families. Soldiers are accepted into the volunteer detachments of the Chinese army until they reach the age of 49.

The armed forces of the People's Republic of China are a separate structural unit, not subordinate to either the Communist Party or the government. Two specially formed committees are called upon to manage the army in China - the State and the Party.

It is difficult for a person who is far from military affairs to imagine the true power of the military "machine" of the Celestial Empire. Let's take a look at the numbers to understand:

  • Both men and women over 19 have the right to join the ranks of various types of troops.
  • The size of the Chinese army, according to rough estimates of experts, is about 2.5 million people.
  • From year to year, more than 215 billion dollars are allocated from the state budget for the maintenance of the armed forces.

An interesting feature of the weapons of the Chinese army is its similarity with the Soviet one. For the most part, the weapons and equipment of the Chinese are a direct legacy of the USSR, copies of Soviet models. Over the past decades, in the course of modernization, the armament of the Chinese army has been increasingly replenished with new types of ultra-modern weapons, which are not inferior in their parameters to world analogues.

The beautiful half of the Chinese troops

Since the formation of the PLA, not only men have joined its ranks. Women in the Chinese army occupy mainly positions with minimal threat to life. As a rule, this is the sphere of communication and healthcare.


The first release of female marines after training in the South China Navy dates back to 1995. About 10 years ago, the fair sex began to be allowed to take fighter piloting exams. Some ladies have become captains in the Navy and manage warships and crew. Women, just like men, march in Chinese army parades. Military demonstrations take place in China once every ten years. According to experts, ladies print a step clearly and competently, in no way inferior to men.

On the Composition of the Military Forces of the People's Republic of China

The size of the current PLA has been significantly reduced in comparison with the Chinese army of the 1960s and 70s. But, despite this, against the background of the combat effectiveness of the armies of other states, the troops of the Celestial Empire still look impressive. The main difference between the former armed forces of China is that soldiers, that is, manpower, served as the main resource for their formation. At the same time, the number of units of military equipment amounted to several dozen throughout the country. The structure of today's Chinese army includes all units of modern troops:

  • land;
  • military air;
  • Navy;
  • strategic nuclear forces;
  • special forces and other types of combat groups, in the absence of which it is impossible to imagine any army of a modern state.

In addition, new models of ballistic missiles and intercontinental weapons enter the arsenal of the Chinese army every year. Considering that each nuclear power keeps complete information about the state of its weapons capabilities secret, it is likely that China also has an order of magnitude more nuclear warheads than officially reported. According to public information, there are about 200 carriers with an isotopic charge in the country.

Rocket and ground forces

The strategic units of the armed forces of the People's Republic of China have access to 75 ground-based installations for launching ballistic missiles, about 80 Hong-6 aircraft belonging to the strategic forces of nuclear aviation, as basic equipment. At the disposal of the command of the Chinese flotilla there is a nuclear submarine equipped with twelve launchers for launching Juilang-1 missiles. Despite the fact that this type of weapon was developed more than 30 years ago, it is considered effective today.


As for the composition of the ground forces, in China this unit has the following resources:

  • 2.5 million soldiers;
  • about 90 divisions, of which a fifth is represented by tank and rapid response.

Chinese Air Force and Navy

The military aviation of the People's Republic of China openly declares the presence of about 4,000 aircraft. At the same time, most of them are an outdated "legacy" from the USSR, which was transferred by the Union. Many active aircraft are models based on Soviet aircraft. More than two-thirds of China's air fleet are fighters used to destroy military targets and air defense. Not so long ago, Chinese aviation was not intended to support ground forces. Over the past few years, the situation in this direction has changed radically.

More than a hundred warships and several hundred helicopters and aircraft belonging to the Naval Aviation Authority make up the Chinese Navy. For regular protection of the border and coastal zones, the Chinese Navy uses thousands of equipped patrol ships.

Not many people know that China is the owner of the aircraft carrier "Lyaoling" (formerly "Varangian"). The PRC purchased it from the Ukrainian fleet for a rather impressive sum of $25 million. The United States prevented the purchase of an aircraft carrier, so the Chinese company had to resort to a kind of trick: a private company acquired the Varyag, which in the documents received the status of a floating amusement park. As soon as the aircraft carrier arrived in China, it was decided to complete and improve it. Not so long ago, the PRC created two more aircraft carriers modeled on the Liaolin.


Military-political partnership

Despite the fact that weapons models continue to be actively developed in the Middle Kingdom, in the field of high-precision weapons, this country still lags behind the superpowers. A large share of the funds allocated to ensure the defense capability of the state goes to the development of a new type of weapon. The country's leadership chose this course because, in its opinion, the future belongs to high-precision weapons.

To get an objective assessment and compare the armies of China and the United States, it is not necessary to list all the super-powerful weapons of both powers at their disposal. Without further arguments, it is clear that the PRC has something to strive for in the field of military weapons. Despite all the scientific and technological achievements of designers, the Chinese defense industry is still far behind the American one. It is only worth noting that the United States, as the main competitor of the Chinese in the international arena, does not particularly hide its dissatisfaction with their success.

In order to gradually reduce the gap from the world leader, China decided to actively develop cooperation with the Russian Federation in the military-technical sphere. China owes much to its partner for the rapid development of its army. Thanks to Russia, which not only supplies the latest weapons, but also takes part in the development of military equipment on a par with Chinese specialists, China has managed to take a decisive step forward.


Today, there are many joint Russian-Chinese projects, various agreements have been concluded at the intergovernmental and interstate levels in the following areas:

  • joint military technological processes and development of the latest weapons;
  • study of technologies used both to destroy combat targets and to protect civilians;
  • cooperation in the space field, which implies the conduct of numerous projects, the development of programs;
  • strengthening relations in the field of communications.

The rapid development of partnership relations between Russia and China is of great importance for the armies of both states. The increase in the pace of modernization processes of the armed forces of the Celestial Empire is not welcomed by the United States, which fears the potential for the emergence of a direct competitor. At the same time, the number of agreements on cooperation between Russia and China has increased significantly over the past few years. The most significant achievements in the sphere of relations between these two countries are the acquisition of SU-27 fighters, as well as permission for their production in China, and the agreement of the Russian side to carry out repair work on Chinese submarines on its territory.

The main priorities in the field of defense construction

Comparison of the armies of China of the last century and our time have enormous differences. The change in the military-political doctrine of the PRC and the competent setting of priorities have brought real results in the development of the armed forces of the republic. Numerical reductions against the backdrop of rapidly proceeding technical modernization, which requires the annual allocation of impressive budgetary amounts, did not affect the combat capability of the Celestial Empire's army in any way. On the contrary, China's position in the international arena has been significantly strengthened.

The leadership of the country will not consider the issue of suspending the modernization of the army as long as the United States will act in interstate relations from a position of strength. The PRC plans to reach a level of armed forces at which the republic will be able to protect its borders and strike back at the enemy. For the same purpose, huge funds are allocated from the budget for the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads.

China's policy in the field of nuclear weapons fits into the concept of "limited retaliatory nuclear strike." Despite the fact that the military-political doctrine of the PRC implies the development of nuclear potential, its presence should be perceived by other states not as a threat, but as a deterrent that can be used in response against an enemy using nuclear weapons on the territory of the republic.


Of strategic importance in the field of defense construction are mobile rapid reaction teams, whose task is to quickly move to areas of active conflict and neutralize it. According to the provisions of this concept, the Chinese army is developing mobile forces, annually equipping them with modern electronics, including systems:

  • early warning and communications;
  • remote control of weapons and troops;
  • electronic warfare.

Financing the Chinese army

In comparing the armies of China and Russia, the difference between the amount of funds annually allocated for the maintenance of the armed forces is striking. If the military budget of the Russians has been on average in the range of $65 billion over the past few years, then the growing spending of the Chinese on the modernization of troops has already exceeded $200 billion. In this context, the army of the Celestial Empire is second only to the United States. At the same time, the Chinese allocate only 1.5-1.9% of the country's GDP for defense. Interestingly, this figure was equal to 50 billion dollars just ten years ago. With GDP growth, a proportional increase in funding for the Chinese armed forces is expected.

The development of trade relations with most world powers contributes to the normalization of diplomatic relations. As already noted, the warmest friendly relations based on equal partnership are maintained between China and Russia.

Does China want world domination?

The number and armament of the Chinese army allows us to consider this country as one of the strongest potential adversaries. But since any successes and achievements give rise to envy, suspicion and slander, the republic did not escape this fate. The country's leadership expresses regret over the fact that some states treat the Celestial Empire as a likely aggressor. The reason for such suspicions is an incorrect understanding of Chinese foreign policy. The versions include the following:

  • The PRC seeks to become the most significant military force in the Asia-Pacific region, so the republic began to heavily invest in the army as soon as Russia and the United States reduced the number of warships in this area.
  • The purchase of modern weapons from Russia provokes an arms race. Allegedly, this is considered one of the real reasons why the DPRK (North Korea) decided to acquire nuclear warheads.
  • The modernization of Chinese troops is carried out only in order to strike at the United States.

These accusations are refuted by military experts from China. China does not seek world domination, and the rapid growth of economic indicators would be more correctly perceived as a common business practice that seeks to expand and increase profits.

The very process of army modernization, according to the PRC authorities, is a heavy burden on the shoulders of the state economy. However, China has no right to refuse to improve its armed forces, since the country's army is currently vulnerable to more powerful troops of other powers.

The US assumes that China will launch a military offensive from Taiwan, with which the Chinese have certain territorial disputes. But such thoughts have no logical justification in light of the steadily developing economic relations between China and Taiwan. These two countries are connected by a large annual turnover. Therefore, why should China lose billions in profits?..


Such accusations can be heard mainly from the United States or its allies. Apparently, it is beneficial for America to present China in a bad light, arguing that the PRC is just waiting for the moment to attack. What is the goal that the Americans are actually pursuing by putting spokes in the wheels of the Celestial Empire? Most likely, America is afraid of losing world leadership. It does not need a strong competitor, another superpower on the world stage.

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