Opinion: The PLA is full of contradictions
If anyone was watching television or YouTube footage of the 70th anniversary parade by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in Beijing on 1 October, it would be very easy to be overawed. After all, as commentators claimed, a full 40% of equipment participating in the parade was doing so for the very first time. However, scratch beneath the surface (or should that be the service?) and paradoxes are quickly discerned when it comes to the role and performance of the PLA.
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