ABSTRACT
Since the late 1970s, post–Mao leaders have achieved considerable success in efforts to pursue military modernization. The goal of senior leader Deng Xiaoping and his associates was to establish a professional military force equipped with modern weapons and doctrine. In keeping with Deng’s mandate, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which includes the strategic nuclear forces, army, navy, and air force, has demobilized over 3 million personnel since 1978 and introduced modern methods in such areas as recruitment and manpower, strategy, and education and training. The overall size of China’s armed forces is approximately 3 million. Beijing appears committed to further troop cuts over the next few years, during which it will continue to upgrade equipment and training, especially for the air force and navy.
