Chinese People’s Liberation Army

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is the armed forces of the People's Republic of China and the military wing of the Chinese Communist Party. It comprises ground, naval, air, and rocket forces. The PLA is newsworthy due to recent internal purges initiated by President Xi Jinping, aimed at ensuring absolute loyalty within the ranks. These purges have involved the removal of high-ranking generals. Simultaneously, the PLA's growing global presence, particularly its involvement in infrastructure projects like the Ream Naval Base in Cambodia, is attracting international scrutiny. A recent visit by a US warship to the Cambodian base highlights concerns about China's potential dominance and the base's intended use. The PLA's internal restructuring and expanding global footprint are significant factors in assessing China's geopolitical ambitions and military capabilities.