Nation's military power grows but still trails behind
Updated: 2015-09-04 08:59
By Chris Peterson(China Daily)
|
||||||||
Soldiers of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) hold guns while standing in armored vehicles during the military parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, in Beijing, September 3, 2015.[Photo/Xinhua] |
China's victory parade in Beijing on Thursday gave military analysts and observers worldwide the chance to see the growth that has turned it into a strong country and an economic powerhouse. But China as a country has a long memory, with many still looking back to the 1930s when a politically fragmented country faced aggression and invasion from its powerful and militaristic neighbor, Japan.
As China's economic might has grown, so has its military capability, sending a message that China is prepared to defend its core interests, in line with President Xi Jinping's aim of national rejuvenation.
This week sees celebrations marking the end of the war against fascism. The wounds are still there - China still feels the current Japanese administration has never repented for Japan's occupation of the country and misery it inflicted on the Chinese people from 1937 to 1945.
Following the conflict with militaristic Japan, and for most of the post-World War II period, China's military was perceived as heavy on manpower but light on arms. But that has changed.
China is focusing on building up its navy, with the aircraft carrier Liaoning seen by many Western observers as the centerpiece even though it is still listed as a training and research vessel.
The Liaoning was acquired in a roundabout way from Russia via Ukraine with a hull and superstructure, but without any electronics and weapons systems in place. All those were incorporated in the ship through Chinese technological know-how, and US Defense Secretary Chuck Nagel toured the vessel in 2014, something that was impossible during the Cold War.
- Global health entering new era: WHO chief
- Brazil's planning minister steps aside after recordings revelation
- Vietnam, US adopt joint statement on advancing comprehensive partnership
- European border closures 'inhumane': UN refugee agency
- Japan's foreign minister calls A-bombings extremely regrettable
- Fukushima impact unprecedented for oceans: US expert
- Stars of Lijiang River: Elderly brothers with white beards
- Wealthy Chinese children paying money to learn British manners
- Military-style wedding: Fighter jets, grooms in dashing uniforms
- Striking photos around the world: May 16 - May 22
- Robots help elderly in nursing home in east China
- Hanging in the air: Chongqing holds rescue drill
- 2.1-ton tofu finishes in two hours in central China
- Six things you may not know about Grain Buds
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Anti-graft campaign targets poverty relief |
Cherry blossom signal arrival of spring |
In pictures: Destroying fake and shoddy products |
China's southernmost city to plant 500,000 trees |
Cavers make rare finds in Guangxi expedition |
Cutting hair for Longtaitou Festival |
Today's Top News
Liang avoids jail in shooting death
China's finance minister addresses ratings downgrade
Duke alumni visit Chinese Embassy
Marriott unlikely to top Anbang offer for Starwood: Observers
Chinese biopharma debuts on Nasdaq
What ends Jeb Bush's White House hopes
Investigation for Nicolas's campaign
Will US-ASEAN meeting be good for region?
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |