China Restructuring Its Military, Warning for India to Take Seriously

Xi Jinping has made significant changes to the structure of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in an effort to enhance China’s military capabilities. These changes include the introduction of the Information Support Force and the reorganization of the PLA into four primary branches: ground forces, naval forces, air forces, and rocket forces. Additionally, four auxiliary units have been added to strengthen strategic oversight and support the advancement of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies for future warfare.

Beijing has pursued comprehensive modernization of its military capabilities over the past decade, focusing on technological advancement, organizational reform, and doctrinal evolution. This has involved enhancing naval and air force capabilities, modernizing missile forces, and establishing new commands. The modernization drive has also emboldened China to assert its territorial claims more strongly, leading to heightened tensions and potential confrontations with neighboring countries, particularly India.

In response, India has embarked on defense reforms aimed at modernizing its armed forces and increasing efficiency. These reforms include measures to encourage domestic production of defense equipment, enhance defense infrastructure along its borders, and promote jointness and integration among the three branches of its armed forces. However, there is still a need for quicker reforms and broader restructuring to prepare the Indian armed forces for 21st-century warfare.

The recent moves by China should serve as a wake-up call for India, prompting the government to prioritize making its armed forces fit to fight modern wars. The need for continued reform and restructuring is crucial, particularly in light of the evolving strategic landscape and regional tensions.