China needs strengthened army, though it seeks no hegemony

Eighty-six years since its foundation, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has become a relatively modern power. Although China does not intend to seek hegemony, it needs a stronger army to safeguard its development. Thursday marks the 86th anniversary of the establishment of the PLA. From Aug. 1, 1927, the army has experienced revolutionary and warring years, and a number of conflicts with China's neighbors after 1949. With the present 2.3 million personnel, the PLA has risen from rags to a strong power corresponding to the country's more than three decades of economic boom times. It is now equipped with a newly-commissioned aircraft carrier, while other advanced weaponry, including a J-20 stealth fighter jet and large military transport aircraft, are in development. The increased military power of the PLA has stirred up unease among some of China's neighboring countries and the traditional power -- the United States. However, in an important period of strategic opportunities, China still needs a stronger military to safeguard its security and ever-increasing national interests, so as to help the country achieve modernization. In a commentary published on Thursday, the PLA Daily said national defense and the building of the army is at a new starting point, facing precious opportunities and a complicated domestic and exterior security environment as well. Since the reform and opening up policy in the late 1970s, China has stopped being a closed country. Instead, its economic and cultural engagement in the world has resulted in an expansion of its interests overseas, not to mention some countries' illegal claims over China's territories. In the meantime, the complicated national conditions have dictated that the PLA is needed in multiple purposes domestically, from disaster relief, to maintaining stability and national unity. The ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) decided at an important congress last year that the country will build a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way by 2020. A stronger army can serve as a stabilizer and safeguard for this process. The CPC has also put forward the concept of the "Chinese Dream," which refers to a great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and also an idea inspiring individuals to achieve their own ambitions by personal efforts. At the end of last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in regards to the military, the Chinese Dream could be a dream of building stronger armed forces. He added that a strong national defense and a powerful military are necessary in the course of building a prosperous country. A stronger army serves China's development, and is not a resort for the country to seek hegemony like rising powers in history. Chinese leaders have reiterated many times the promise that the country will never seek hegemony as it gains power. At a reception to celebrate the 86th anniversary on Wednesday, Minister of National Defense Chang Wanquan said China will firmly pursue a path of peaceful development and enhance military cooperation with foreign countries to contribute to world peace and development. "China will unremittingly follow a national defense policy that is defensive in nature," Chang added.