The Intelligence from The Economist The Intelligence: how strong is the Chinese military?
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Nov 10, 2023 
Jeremy Page, The Economist's Asia diplomatic editor, discusses the capabilities and challenges of the Chinese military, warning against both overestimating and underestimating its might, especially regarding Taiwan's security. Anne Rowe pays tribute to David Kirk, exploring themes of historical legacies and the emotional weight of ancestral sins, while introducing a fascinating journey into reconciliation with the past. With bungee jumping as a metaphor for embracing risks, these insights highlight the delicate balance between history and modern-day challenges.
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China's Military Readiness
- China's military, the PLA, has been expanding operations around Taiwan, raising concerns about an invasion.
- However, the PLA's combat readiness is questionable due to its lack of recent war experience.
PLA's Lack of Combat Experience
- In 2016, a PLA infantry unit in South Sudan on a UN peacekeeping mission suffered casualties.
- This incident exposed the PLA's lack of combat experience, a key weakness despite its size.
PLA's Structural and Logistical Challenges
- The PLA's Soviet-style command structure, rife with inefficiency and corruption, creates internal tensions.
- Logistical challenges, particularly for a Taiwan invasion, pose a significant hurdle for the PLA.