The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has undergone significant transformations in recent years, particularly concerning its personnel structure, education, and training methodologies. Building upon the foundation laid by the 2006 conference, the “People in the Pla 2.0” conference revisited and expanded upon these crucial themes, especially in light of the rapid changes within the PLA under Xi Jinping’s leadership. This analysis delves into the key areas of transformation highlighted by the PLA 2.0 framework, examining the advancements and ongoing reforms shaping the modern Chinese military.
Central to the PLA’s modernization drive are structural changes designed to enhance both its warfighting capabilities and the unwavering control of the Communist Party of China (CPC). These dual objectives are pursued through comprehensive reforms across various military domains. One notable area is the evolution of the Second Artillery Corps into the PLA Rocket Force, signifying a strategic emphasis on advanced missile capabilities and a more prominent role for this branch within the PLA structure. Furthermore, the expansion of the PLA’s foreign-based force posture reflects China’s growing global ambitions and the need for a military capable of projecting power and protecting national interests beyond its immediate borders. These structural shifts underscore the PLA’s commitment to becoming a more agile, responsive, and globally relevant military force.
Education and training are paramount in the PLA’s quest to excel in future “informatized” warfare scenarios. Recognizing the critical need for highly skilled personnel, the PLA is actively leveraging China’s expanding civilian education system to enhance the educational attainment of its members. This integration aims to tap into the broader national talent pool and bring advanced technical expertise into the military ranks. Simultaneously, the PLA is addressing legacy challenges within its professional military education (PME) system to ensure it effectively cultivates the leadership and specialized skills required for modern military operations. Moreover, the PLA is actively reforming joint education initiatives to foster better inter-service cooperation and optimize performance in complex, integrated warfare environments. Learning from international partners through military exchanges and interactions is also a key component of the PLA’s educational modernization, allowing it to gain insights from global best practices and adapt them to its unique context. The significant revamp of PLA academic institutions, particularly those supporting advanced entities focused on network warfare and cutting-edge technologies, further illustrates the rapid pace of the PLA’s evolution towards a technologically sophisticated and highly competent fighting force.
