China will downsize its 2.3 million-strong military, the world's largest, to under one million in the biggest troop reduction in its history as part of a restructuring process.

China is now said to have taken the decision to downsize the PLA in a bid to boost its navy strength. The move is also set to increase the number of personnel in PLA Strategic Support Force and the PLA Rocket Force.

https://youtu.be/zbpy4V0IU8Y

Airforce untouched

However, the air force will remain unaffected. "This reform will provide other services, including the PLA Rocket Force, Air Force, Navy and Strategic Support Force (mainly responsible for electronic warfare and communication), with more resources and inputs, and the PLA will strengthen its capability to conduct overseas missions," Xu Guangyu, a senior adviser to the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, told the Global Times.

Blue Water Navy

By increasing its naval strength the PLA intends to be able to handle "overseas threats" much before they can enter the country's territorial waters. "The PLA must be capable of spotting overseas threats and destroying hostile forces thousands of kilometers away before they enter our 12 nautical mile territorial waters. China's overseas interests are spread around the world and need to be protected. These are beyond the army's current capabilities," Xu added. (ibtimes.co.in)

Looking Global

China sending forces to its first overseas military base -- in Africa

Yesterday marked a new era in China’s geostrategy, as it began deploying military forces to its first overseas military base, building the capacity to protect military force globally. The Associated Press reports:

China has sent members of its People's Liberation Army to the African nation of Djibouti to man its first overseas military base.

Yesterday marked a new era in China’s geostrategy, as it began deploying military forces to its first overseas military base, building the capacity to protect military force globally. The Associated Press reports:

China has sent members of its People's Liberation Army to the African nation of Djibouti to man its first overseas military base.

The move on Tuesday is a key part of a wide-ranging expansion of the role of the Asian giant's armed forces.

The Defence Ministry said on its website that a ceremony was held at a naval pier in the southern Chinese port of Zhanjiang. (americanthinker.com)

India and China

Meanwhile, the Chinese media has in the last few days said that China is more powerful than India in economic as well as military terms. An editorial in the Global Times even went on to say that India should withdraw its troops from the border or the Chinese People's Liberation Army will "kick" them out.

India currently has 13,25,000 active military personnel and about 490 million people who are fit to join the forces. China is said to have about 619 million people who are fit to join the army.

About 46,35,000 military personnel are currently serving in the Chinese military, and 34,68,000 are a part of the Indian military.
(ibtimes.co.in)