Martyanov's days as officer were probably during Soviet times, when China's military really was as technologically terrible as he says. Perhaps that is what he remembers.
Fourth Taiwan Strait Crisis
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Martyanov's days as officer were probably during Soviet times, when China's military really was as technologically terrible as he says. Perhaps that is what he remembers.
well, a force must not always have cutting edge equipment like modern US army or PLA to be effective. The culture of the military, the willingness of soldiers to fight and flexible command matters just as much if not more than having the latest tech. From the 50s to the 80s, the PLA had very low funding, but I'd argue that it's mission command still allowed it to be one of the most effective armies even if it was mainly using early cold war tech. Otherwise, Soviets would still own Zhenbao island and India, Vietnam wouldn't have taken such lopsided losses against an otherwise technologically equal enemy.
Question is if in the post cold war era if China still kept such a degree of discipline inside the military. I'd say some of it was lost over time due to the current generation having less fervent belief in communism, but a lot of it remains due to the constant threat of Japan and US over Taiwan forcing soldiers to stay alert and be ready for combat at any time.
Government views on Taiwan
"Countries’ positioning on the recent Taiwan Strait crisis maps closely onto broader geopolitical positioning. Governments that are generally aligned more closely to the U.S. or China matched those inclinations in their statements on Taiwan. But a large chunk of the region – including almost all of Southeast Asia – does not want to take sides at all."
Source
Which Asian Countries Support China in the Taiwan Strait Crisis – and Which Don’t?
An analysis of foreign ministry statements from across the Asia-Pacific region reveals which countries are hewing close to China’s line, which lean toward the U.S., and which are staying neutral.
thediplomat.com/2022/08/which-asian-countries-support-china-in-the-taiwan-strait-crisis-and-which-dont/
"Countries’ positioning on the recent Taiwan Strait crisis maps closely onto broader geopolitical positioning. Governments that are generally aligned more closely to the U.S. or China matched those inclinations in their statements on Taiwan. But a large chunk of the region – including almost all of Southeast Asia – does not want to take sides at all."
Source
Which Asian Countries Support China in the Taiwan Strait Crisis – and Which Don’t?
An analysis of foreign ministry statements from across the Asia-Pacific region reveals which countries are hewing close to China’s line, which lean toward the U.S., and which are staying neutral.
thediplomat.com/2022/08/which-asian-countries-support-china-in-the-taiwan-strait-crisis-and-which-dont/
Galwan proves that discipline is kept.
I will go on a limb and say PLA has the highest personnel quality of conventional army. By that I mean average soldiers not some hand picked special forces. All soldiers are patriotic, fully volunteers picked from tight filters. Command culture is very flexible since its formation not to mention the recent reforms that further improved the beaucracy side of things. China on average has high education and a culture of working hard as well.
The size of Chinese population makes sure the military can stay full volunteer even in a major war. That is another major factor will make it best disciplined army when it trully matters. See US army in peaceful time and they seem well disciplined. The moment conscription happens like Vietnam and their quality will fall off the cliff. Volunteer vs drafted has a HUGE difference in morale and discipline.
The size of Chinese population makes sure the military can stay full volunteer even in a major war. That is another major factor will make it best disciplined army when it trully matters. See US army in peaceful time and they seem well disciplined. The moment conscription happens like Vietnam and their quality will fall off the cliff. Volunteer vs drafted has a HUGE difference in morale and discipline.
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supercat
Major
It's a daily occurrence now that China will cross the median line. The status quo has indeed changed.
lol Japanese regime never disappoints with their unrepentant fascism. Hoping that Japanese youth that are 40% pro China will take over soon. When their GDP per capita falls under 30k while China's rises above 20k and has their oil tanker lifeline in hand, the fascist LDP will be relegated to dustbin of history. Japanese deserve better than their current regime which is leading them into poverty and destruction.
Could you share the source for this "40% of Japanese youth are pro China"? This is the first time I hear of it. I always thought the vast majority of Japanese are anti China.
The current culture in the West, especially in the USA, perceives any compromise as weakness and appeasement. American foreign policy is all about "winning", "sticking it to the commies", "showing people who is the boss", "protecting democracy". The world is binary. There is the free world and aggressive dictatorships. This is not fertile ground diplomacy. Diplomacy requires mutual respect and compromise. Biden hasn't compromised on anything so far.
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