In an era marked by rapidly shifting power dynamics, the strength and capability of a nation’s military are pivotal to its global standing. As we step into 2024, a significant year symbolized by the dragon—a creature denoting power and majesty in Chinese culture—China’s military endeavors under President Xi Jinping’s command have drawn international attention.
China Airforce: A Path to Dominance
In a bold display of intent, President Xi has proclaimed that the reunification with Taiwan is not a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘when.’ Such assertions are backed by remarkable advancements in the Chinese military, spearheaded by President Xi. China, which already boasts the world’s largest navy, is on the verge of another monumental achievement—commanding the largest air force on the planet.
The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), also known as the Chinese Airforce, currently holds the position of the world’s second-largest air force. Nevertheless, it is swiftly advancing to dethrone the United States from the top spot. The U.S., at present, holds an inventory of nearly 4,000 aircraft, while the Chinese counterpart has amassed 3,150 aircraft, showcasing an impressive arsenal and technological prowess.
Breakdown of China’s Aerial Arsenal
A closer look into the composition of China’s air combat power reveals more than 150 H-6 long-range bombers, capable of delivering nuclear warheads. The bedrock of the Chinese Air Force, the J-10 fighter, amounts to over 500 units. In addition, the PLAAF operates nearly 50 Russian Su-27 and Su-35 jets, along with 200 indigenous versions of these Russian jets, named the J-11.
China’s ingenuity shines with its stealth fighter, the J-20, with Beijing commissioning over 200 units. The remarkable aspect of China’s air force is its indigenization, producing these sophisticated aircraft domestically, albeit with technology that has been accused of being stolen and reverse-engineered.
Expanding Through Massive Military-Industrial Complex
But how is it managing to fast-track its air force to become the largest in the world? The answer lies in the massive military-industrial complex under the control of the Communist Party. Specifically, up to 100 airframes of the J-20 stealth fighter and the same number of Chinese copies of Russian Sukhoi jets are rolled out annually. This production is complemented by 40 airframes of the J-10 each year.
Achieving this level of production is due in part to the state-owned firm Aviation Corporation of China (AVIC), the sole aerospace conglomerate in the nation. It supervises two major manufacturers—the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation and the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.
Operational Proficiency vs. Quantitative Dominance
However, this rise in quantitative dominance raises questions about the qualitative aspects of China’s military hardware. The PLAAF has not been battle-tested since 1979, with skeptics, particularly within the American military, questioning the effectiveness of Chinese weapons and aircraft. Consequently, China’s air power, for now, remains unproven in combat scenarios.
Despite this, President Xi is actively seeking to enhance the combat readiness of his forces. By engaging in territorial disputes with neighboring countries such as India, Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan, China looks to accrue real-time combat experience to solidify its military assertion.
The Asian nations, for their part, are taking the Chinese threat to heart. Japan, among other international voices, has voiced serious concerns about China’s military trends and lack of transparency. Cooperation among allies and like-minded countries is seen as essential in confronting China’s ambitions.
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The US: A Counterbalance to China’s Military Ascent
Leading the defensive front is the United States, whose increased military presence in the region serves as a deterrent. With a spate of military exercises near the Taiwan Strait and the West Philippine Sea, the U.S. exerts a significant counterforce.
Despite having the potentially largest military, China’s limited alliances and lack of combat experience suggest that its military might is overestimated. While China continues to ramp up its military capabilities, the world watches warily, seeing not a fearsome dragon but a ‘Paper Tiger’ in the making.
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