Economist Podcasts The Intelligence: how strong is the Chinese military?
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Nov 10, 2023 
Jeremy Page, The Economist's Asia diplomatic editor, offers a deep dive into the capabilities and challenges faced by China's People’s Liberation Army, emphasizing the precarious balance regarding Taiwan's security. Anne Rowe, insightful obituaries editor, reflects on the complexities of confronting ancestral legacies, including a family's journey regarding their ties to slavery. The discussion also highlights the thrill of adventure, linking personal accountability to historical narratives. Together, they challenge listeners to rethink both military assessments and historical responsibilities.
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China's Military Strength
- The PLA, China's military, has been expanding operations around Taiwan, raising concerns about an invasion.
- However, China hasn't fought a major war since 1979, and their performance against Vietnam was lackluster.
PLA's Lack of Combat Experience
- The PLA's last significant engagement was suppressing pro-democracy protesters in 1989.
- Xi Jinping uses the term "peace disease" to describe the PLA's lack of combat experience.
PLA Peacekeeping Incident
- In 2016, a PLA infantry unit in South Sudan on a UN peacekeeping mission came under fire during a clash between rebels and government forces.
- The incident highlighted the PLA's lack of combat experience.