West confused over China’s growing military might

(MENAFN) Over the last twenty years, China has significantly advanced its defense and military capabilities. Once reliant on foreign imports and technologies, Beijing is increasingly self-sufficient, producing its own advanced fighter jets, frigates, aircraft carriers, hypersonic weapons, and unmanned systems. Alongside these achievements, China has outlined a vision of future warfare centered on artificial intelligence, autonomous platforms, multidomain operations, and cognitive, or “intelligent,” warfare.

This progress has alarmed Washington and its allies, prompting expanded military spending, stronger alliances, and preparations to counter Beijing. However, such reactions often exaggerate the so-called “China threat” and cast China’s military growth only through the lens of a power struggle with the West.

In reality, the modernization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is part of China’s broader national reforms and reflects its emergence as a global power. Despite advances, China’s armed forces still lag behind those of established powers like the US, and their strength remains modest compared to the country’s economic and political influence.

Since taking office, President Xi Jinping has prioritized military reform, emphasizing not just new equipment but also institutional restructuring, efficiency, and tighter command systems. Early reforms included cutting 300,000 troops—signaling a focus on streamlining rather than unchecked expansion.

China’s current doctrine, “Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military,” adopted in 2017, sets the goal of turning the PLA into a world-class force by 2049, with key progress expected by 2027, the PLA’s centenary. While some Western analysts interpret this as evidence of a Taiwan invasion plan, such claims oversimplify Beijing’s strategy and overlook the broader context of China’s military development.

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