PLA expanding marine corps
China is planning a huge increase in the size of its marine corp, improving the capability of its amphibious and rapid reaction forces.
Some media reports suggested that the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Marine Corps could grow up to five times in size, as China attempts to use the force to secure its maritime interests. The marine corps is estimated to currently possess 20,000 troops.
The South China Morning Post reported that two brigades have already transferred to the marines to augment two brigades already in existence (the 1st and 161st Marine Brigades).
One of the new units known to
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