The People's Liberation Army (PLA) celebrated its 99th anniversary on Saturday, marking a significant milestone as it approaches a key deadline for its interim modernization objectives. Established on August 1, 1927, by a small group of under-equipped revolutionaries, the PLA has since evolved into a highly advanced military force.
Over nearly a century, the PLA has undergone a profound transformation, now widely recognized as possessing "world-class" capabilities in several domains. These include its air force, equipped with stealth fighters and an extensive drone fleet; its navy, featuring advanced surface combatants and three operational aircraft carriers with a fourth under construction; and its rocket force, armed with a diverse array of ballistic missiles. The force currently maintains an active-duty personnel strength of approximately 2.035 million.
China has set a series of milestones for its military modernization. By 2035, it aims to complete the foundational phases of modernizing its national defense and armed forces. Beyond this interim target, the long-term goal is to achieve a full transformation by 2049, coinciding with the centennial of the People's Republic of China’s founding. At that point, Chinese authorities seek to establish the PLA as a fully modernized, "world-class" military, with capabilities that meet or exceed those of the United States.
The modernization drive reflects China’s broader strategic priorities, emphasizing advancements in technology, strategic deterrence, and power projection. Analysts note that the PLA’s development underscores Beijing’s ambitions to bolster its regional and global military influence while closing the capability gap with leading military powers.