People’s Liberation Army (PLA)

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is the principal military force of the People's Republic of China, under the command of the Central Military Commission. It encompasses ground, naval, air, and strategic support forces. The PLA is newsworthy due to its ongoing modernization efforts and increasing global power projection. Recent developments include a continued increase in China's defense budget, earmarked at 7% this year, slightly less than the previous year but still exceeding GDP growth targets. Concerns are also being raised about the vulnerability of both US and Chinese supply lines in a potential Pacific conflict, particularly concerning Taiwan. Furthermore, Western defense firms are seemingly targeting PLA Navy vessels in promotional videos, highlighting the PLA's growing naval capabilities and its position as a potential adversary. The PLA's modernization and expansion are significant due to their implications for regional and global security, particularly in the context of US-China relations and the status of Taiwan.