A new RAND Corporation report has cast doubts on the combat readiness of China’s People’s Liberation Army. The report argues that the PLA remains fundamentally focused on upholding Chinese Communist Party (CCP) rule rather than preparing for high-intensity warfare. These findings challenge the dominant narrative that China’s military advancements make it an imminent military threat to the US and its allies, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. The findings have cast doubt on the effectiveness of President Xi’s efforts to strengthen the military and bolster China’s strategic capabilities. Despite anti-corruption efforts under President Xi Jinping, many analysts believe corruption remains deeply entrenched in the system. The PLA has been plagued by cases of embezzlement, fraudulent procurement, and fake training records, all of which undermine its operational effectiveness. Despite these advancements, the PLA has not fought a war since 1979, when it suffered heavy losses in a brief border conflict with Vietnam. This lack of combat experience raises questions about its ability to effectively deploy its forces in a high- intensity conflict.
