Why PLA matters for China’s sovereignty, global peace

by Naim-Ul-Karim

Every year on Aug. 1, China celebrates Army Day, marking the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). As the PLA reaches its 99th anniversary, it has become one of the world’s most modern and capable armed forces. From its beginnings during the Chinese revolution to its current role in national defense and international missions, the PLA has changed greatly. Today, many people see it not only as the guardian of China’s sovereignty but also as an important force for regional and global stability. Every independent country has the right to defend its territory, its people, and its national interests. In today’s world, where international tensions, regional conflicts, cyber threats, and terrorism continue to grow, having a strong military is considered essential by many nations. China is no exception. As the world’s second-largest economy and one of the most influential countries, China believes that a modern military is necessary to protect its development and security. The PLA’s first responsibility is to protect China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This includes defending the country’s land, sea, airspace, and national interests. Chinese leaders have repeatedly stated that the military exists to ensure that China remains secure and independent in an uncertain international environment. One of the most sensitive issues for China is Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan an inseparable part of China and continues to support peaceful reunification as its preferred approach. At the same time, Chinese leaders argue that maintaining a strong military discourages moves toward formal independence and deters outside military intervention.
Over the past two decades, the PLA has invested heavily in modernization. China has developed advanced naval ships, aircraft carriers, modern fighter aircraft, missile systems, cyber capabilities, and space technologies. It has also improved military training and joint operations between different branches of the armed forces. Chinese officials say these improvements are meant to prepare the military for modern security challenges and to defend the country’s interests in a rapidly changing worlds. A strong military is not only measured by its ability to fight wars. It is also judged by how it responds during emergencies. The PLA has often taken part in disaster relief after earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters inside China. Soldiers have helped rescue civilians, deliver emergency supplies, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and provide medical assistance. These efforts have strengthened the PLA’s image as an organization that serves the people during times of crisis.
Beyond China’s borders, the PLA has also participated in international humanitarian and peace-support missions. Chinese naval forces have conducted anti-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden to help protect international shipping from pirate attacks. These operations have benefited not only Chinese ships but also vessels from many other countries using one of the world’s busiest sea routes. China has also become one of the largest contributors of peacekeeping personnel among the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. Chinese peacekeepers have served in countries facing conflict by helping maintain stability, protecting civilians, supporting reconstruction projects, and assisting humanitarian operations. These missions demonstrate China’s willingness to contribute to international peace under the framework of the United Nations. Medical assistance has become another important part of the PLA’s international activities. Chinese naval hospital ships have visited many developing countries, providing free medical treatment, surgeries, health checkups, and training for local healthcare workers. These humanitarian missions have helped thousands of people who otherwise had limited access to medical care. The PLA has also supported international emergency responses during major disasters and health crises. Such operations show that military resources can be used not only for defense but also for humanitarian purposes. Large transport aircraft, engineering units, and medical teams can often reach affected areas quickly when civilian resources are overwhelmed.
Supporters of China’s military modernization argue that a strong PLA can discourage conflict rather than encourage it. According to this view, potential adversaries are less likely to take military action if they know China has the capability to defend itself effectively. This idea is known as deterrence and has long been part of military thinking in many countries around the world. China officially describes its national defense policy as defensive in nature. Chinese leaders have consistently stated that they do not seek expansion or aggression but instead aim to protect national sovereignty, security, and development interests. Whether other countries fully accept this position varies, but China’s stated policy emphasizes peaceful development while maintaining the ability to defend itself if necessary.
Looking toward the future, the PLA continues to pursue modernization with the goal of becoming a world-class military. This includes improving technology, innovation, training, logistics, and overall combat readiness. Chinese leaders believe these reforms will provide stronger protection for the country’s development while enabling the military to respond more effectively to both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.
In today’s complex international environment, military strength remains an important part of national security for every major country. For China, the PLA represents more than an armed force. It symbolizes national unity, sovereignty, and the country’s determination to protect its interests. At the same time, through peacekeeping missions, anti-piracy operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief, the PLA also contributes to international security in ways that extend beyond China’s borders. Ultimately, the significance of the PLA lies in balancing strength with responsibility. A capable military can protect a nation’s sovereignty and deter threats, but lasting peace depends on wise leadership, diplomacy, mutual respect, and international cooperation. As the PLA approaches its centenary, its future role will continue to shape not only China’s security but also the broader stability of the Asia-Pacific region and, in many ways, the wider world.

Postscript: The writer is a journalist and this opinion piece is available for publication by any news outlet, nationally or internationally, on a non-exclusive basis. Editors are granted the right to make standard revisions for length, clarity, grammar, and house style. Opinions expressed are solely his own & don’t express the views or opinions of his employer.