China's military (1/3): How it went from obsolete to world-class

Dive into the strengths and weaknesses of China’s military and
its remarkable transformation over the last few decades from
obsolete to world-class in a new special series on Battle Lines.


How significant is China’s military buildup? What does Xi
Jinping’s ongoing purge mean for the People’s Liberation Army?
And how likely is an invasion of Taiwan in the next few
years? As the US pivots to the Indo-Pacific and the threat
of a truly global war looms, understanding the evolving role of
China’s military on the world stage has never been more
important.


In episode one of this three-part series, Venetia Rainey uncovers
the strengths that define the PLA today, from its vastly
modernised Navy, now the largest globally, to its Air Force
equipped with stealth fighters and advanced drones.


Plus, a look at China’s potent non-conventional forces, such as
its highly sophisticated cyber warfare units, its independent
aerospace and counter-space capabilities, and the secretive
Rocket Force, responsible for a fast-expanding nuclear arsenal.


With thanks to Dr Phillip Saunders and Joel Wuthnow from the
Center for the Study of Chinese Military Affairs at the Institute
for National Strategic Studies, and Oriana Skylar Mastro from the
Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford
University.


Archive used: WION, SBS News, PBS News Hour, Channel 4, NATO, DRM
News, CGTN, Getty


Contact us with feedback or ideas: battlelines@telegraph.co.uk


@venetiarainey


@RolandOliphant


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