A planned reform of China’s military has prompted oblique warnings from within the People’s Liberation Army that the deep cuts proposed might lead to social instability.
In September President Xi Jinping announced a cut in numbers of 300,000 troops from a 2.3m-strong force as part of the most ambitious military reform in decades. The plan will involve China transforming its mass-mobilisation army led by land forces into a more professional, US-style military, with separate commands for naval, air and strategic rockets forces.
But the cuts mean tens of thousands of officers will be forced into premature retirement, while many support roles such as drivers and even entertainment troops will be cut.