Analysis: Cutting the PLA to the corps
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the armed forces of China’s communist party, is undergoing a series of radical reformations. The slashing of 300,000 personnel by 2017 is just one aspect of this radical makeover.
The latest development revealed in late August is that the PLA will do away with all its group armies (or corps), of which there are currently 18. This will affect some 850,000 troops assigned to mobile combat units. The remainder of the 1.55 million-strong ground force is composed of soldiers serving in regional garrisons.
Modern warfare emphasises mobility, nimbleness and modularity backed by high-tech weapons
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![NATO signs agreements worth billions of dollars on missiles, air defence and aircraft]()
NATO signs agreements worth billions of dollars on missiles, air defence and aircraft
Announcements on aircraft deals and agreements for trans-alliance cooperation to boost the production and purchase of weapons and equipment were key takeaways from this week’s NATO summit.
-
![Ukraine experience forces rethink of counter-UAS doctrine]()
Ukraine experience forces rethink of counter-UAS doctrine
A panel session at Eurosatory 2026 brought together industry, academia and the French armed forces to assess how Ukraine’s battlefield reality is reshaping counter-UAS (CUAS) technology, air defence doctrine and Western procurement priorities.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Iran’s attacks on UAE have “accelerated” Edge’s plans, says company]()
Eurosatory 2026: Iran’s attacks on UAE have “accelerated” Edge’s plans, says company
The UAE’s Edge has undergone massive changes since it was formed in 2019, from acquisitions to partnerships, and has now set up a European division in Paris.
