Military strength often translates to geopolitical influence, China has long projected itself as an emerging superpower. With ambitions to rival the United States by 2050, China’s military development has been a focal point of its strategic planning. However, recent revelations paint a starkly different picture, exposing the depth of corruption and dysfunction within the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
On December 29, 2023, Xi Jinping dismissed nine senior military officials, an act that initially baffled the global community. It wasn’t until a media company unveiled the truth that the world understood the gravity of the situation: systemic corruption had hollowed out China’s military capabilities, leaving its once-feared arsenal largely impotent.
Reports surfaced detailing an almost surreal scenario: Chinese ballistic missiles, intended to be a deterrent force, were found filled with water instead of fuel. This shocking revelation highlighted the extent of corruption within the PLA, particularly within the Rocket Force, which saw five of its top nine generals dismissed. This rampant corruption raised critical questions about the true strength of the PLA and whether China’s military prowess was more illusion than reality.
The missile debacle was just one among many. The Chinese Air Force and Navy also saw high-level dismissals, hinting at widespread issues beyond the Rocket Force. The central military commission was not spared either, with two senior officials removed. These dismissals, while seemingly targeting corruption, also suggested a deeper strategy by Xi Jinping to eliminate potential rivals within the military hierarchy.
China’s military hardware has long been plagued by quality issues. The Pakistani military’s experience with Chinese defense systems is a case in point. On February 26, 2019, during the Balakot airstrike, Pakistani air defense systems, primarily Chinese-made, failed to respond in time, allowing Indian fighter jets to strike terrorist launchpads unchallenged. Similar failures have been reported with Chinese-made jf-17 jets in Myanmar and air defense systems in Bangladesh, all pointing to a pattern of inferior manufacturing.
The Chinese strategy of reverse engineering and cyber espionage has further compounded these issues. By copying advanced military technology from the US and Russia, China has produced weapons that look formidable but often lack the performance and reliability of the originals. This has led to numerous operational failures, diminishing the trust of international buyers in Chinese military exports.
The problems within the PLA are not limited to hardware. The morale and combat readiness of Chinese soldiers are also in question. Incidents of PLA soldiers fleeing battlefields, abandoning posts, and the overall lack of combat experience highlight a significant weakness. The one-child policy has also had a profound impact, as many soldiers are the only children of their families, leading to overprotection and reluctance to face combat risks.
Corruption within the ranks further demoralizes the troops. Officers are often promoted based on bribes rather than merit, and funds meant for military equipment are frequently siphoned off for personal use. This corruption permeates all levels of the military, from the lowest ranks to the highest echelons of command.
The revelations about China’s military corruption and the systemic issues within the PLA have significant implications for global security. While the PLA’s capabilities may be overstated, China’s strategic deception could still pose a threat. By maintaining a facade of strength, China can influence geopolitical dynamics and deter potential adversaries.
In the near future, this could manifest in several ways. For instance, China might use its phantom arsenal as a bargaining chip in arms control negotiations, offering to dismantle “nuclear weapons” that are, in reality, non-functional. This strategy could buy China time to further develop its actual capabilities while projecting an image of compliance and cooperation.
The collapse of China’s military facade is a wake-up call for the global community. While the PLA’s outward strength has long been a deterrent, the reality is far more complex and precarious. Understanding the true capabilities of China’s military and addressing the underlying issues of corruption and morale will be crucial in navigating future geopolitical challenges.
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