Report challenges China's military readiness amid rapid buildup

Military vehicles carrying DF-41 intercontinental ballistic missiles travel past Tiananmen Square during the military parade

A new US think tank report questions whether China is truly prepared for war, arguing that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) prioritizes political control over military effectiveness, according to CNN.

China’s military growth and doubts over readiness

Under President Xi Jinping, China has undergone an extensive military modernization effort, with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) now rivalling, or in some cases surpassing, the US military. However, the RAND Corporation report suggests that the CCP’s focus on controlling both the military and Chinese society may impair combat readiness.

“The PLA remains fundamentally focused on upholding CCP rule rather than preparing for war,” wrote Timothy Heath, a longtime China analyst. His report highlights that up to 40% of PLA training time is spent on political indoctrination, raising concerns about combat effectiveness.

Divided command and structural inefficiencies

The report also criticizes the PLA’s command structure, which includes both military commanders and political commissars, potentially hindering rapid battlefield decision-making. Heath argues that China’s new weapons and military advancements may not translate into wartime effectiveness, citing historical examples where militaries failed despite superior technology.

However, critics of the report push back on its conclusions. Andrew Erickson, a professor at the US Naval War College, argues that Xi has consistently prioritized warfighting capabilities, evidenced by China’s expanding nuclear arsenal, advances in hypersonic weapons, and the world’s largest naval fleet.

China’s military ambitions and Taiwan

The central question surrounding China’s military buildup remains its intentions toward Taiwan. The US Department of Defense estimates that Xi has ordered the PLA to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027, if necessary. However, Heath argues that China has not conducted significant public mobilization or propaganda efforts to prepare its citizens for war, which casts doubt on its readiness.

Others caution against underestimating Beijing’s capabilities, suggesting that China could pursue calibrated military actions such as blockades or targeted airstrikes to pressure Taiwan rather than launching a full-scale invasion.

Challenges in personnel and corruption

Despite its military advancements, the PLA faces major personnel challenges, including difficulties in recruiting and training skilled personnel to operate advanced military technology. The US Department of Defense’s December report also highlights widespread corruption within China’s military, which could undermine its efficiency.

“Despite China’s progress, corruption remains a significant issue affecting both political reliability and operational capability,” a US defence official said.

The road ahead

While the RAND report suggests that China’s military buildup is more about consolidating CCP power than preparing for war, many analysts warn against underestimating Beijing’s strategic ambitions. China has invested heavily in stealth aircraft, warships, and missile systems, making it a formidable force in the Indo-Pacific region.

With Taiwan at the centre of regional tensions, global military planners continue to assess whether the PLA is truly prepared for war or if internal weaknesses will limit its effectiveness, CNN concludes.