Xi Jinping: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force to significantly boost its “deterrence and combat capabilities,” amid escalating global tensions and corruption issues within the military.
During an inspection of a Rocket Force brigade on October 19, Xi emphasized the critical need for the PLA to adapt to modern warfare dynamics, focusing on advanced tactics and state-of-the-art missile systems. His remarks come as China positions itself strategically against potential adversaries, including the United States, with a particular focus on safeguarding national sovereignty and asserting influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Xi’s directive highlights the PLA Rocket Force’s pivotal role in China’s defense strategy. The force, responsible for managing the country’s conventional and nuclear missile arsenal, has been rapidly modernizing in response to global military developments, particularly in missile defense and surveillance technologies.
This latest call for enhanced combat readiness coincides with the recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test, marking the first in over four decades, signaling China’s growing military strength. The test, which sent a missile into the Pacific Ocean, serves as a clear demonstration of China’s strategic deterrence capabilities.
Xi’s visit also underscored the importance of integrating political and military efforts within the Rocket Force, reinforcing loyalty to the Communist Party of China (CPC). The Chinese leadership remains committed to modernizing the force amid internal challenges, including a sweeping anti-corruption purge that has affected high-ranking officials.
As tensions surrounding Taiwan and the South China Sea continue to escalate, Xi’s latest statements further solidify the PLA Rocket Force’s mission to deter threats and ensure China’s military readiness for both traditional and emerging warfare scenarios.
This development places China at the center of global security discussions, with the U.S. Navy viewing the Rocket Force as a significant threat, particularly due to its advanced missile systems known as “carrier killers,” designed to target U.S. aircraft carriers in the Indo-Pacific.
With Xi Jinping reaffirming the PLA’s commitment to military modernization, the Rocket Force is expected to play a crucial role in maintaining China’s strategic balance with global competitors. This aligns with Xi’s broader vision of strengthening national defense in an increasingly multipolar world.
