Amidst mounting challenges from nations such as the United States, China's military is shifting its focus towinning warsagainst "strong enemiesand opponents," according to a top defence official. ChinesePresident Xi Jinpinghas directed the Peopleâs Liberation Army (PLA) to enhance its strategic capabilities to defend Chinaâs sovereignty and developmental interests in this new directive.Xi Jinping, while commemorating the 120th anniversary ofDeng Xiaoping's birth, emphasised Dengâs legacy in building a modern China and highlighted his contributions to theCommunist Party of China(CPC), the nation, and the world.Xi highlighted Deng's focus on modernising the military by saying, "The best way to honour Deng is to continue advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics that he initiated." Deng's vision for the PLA included developing it into a strong, modernised, and well-organised force, emphasising the importance of "fewer but better troops."Xi Jinping, acting in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the PLA, reiterated on Thursday the importance of the military improving its "strategic ability todefend national sovereignty, security, and development interests," as reported by the South China Morning Post.Miao Hua, a member of the central military commission, Chinaâs highest military decision-making body led by Xi, remarked on this strategic shift during a PLA commemoration event. He stated, "In the new journey, we should ... focus on strengthening capabilities to defeat strong enemies and opponents."The sentiment was echoed in an article from the official PLA Daily, published a day before Miao Huaâs statement. Referring to Dengâs 1980s strategic judgment that "world wars can be postponed or avoided," the article noted that China now faces "great changes unseen in a century." It stressed the need for the military to remain vigilant, asserting, "We must ... always maintain strategic clarity on the possible risks of war, make full preparations for military struggle, effectively deter war and resolutely win the war."The recent direction for the PLA to prepare for wars against "strong enemies and opponents" marks a significant departure from its previous focus on winning local wars.This shift is in response to the growing geopolitical challenges China faces, including its long-standing border dispute with India and maritime disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea. Moreover, Chinaâs relations with Taiwan have become increasingly strained, with Beijing asserting its claim over the island.China claims most of the South China Sea, a contention disputed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. In his 2022 speech at the party congress, Xi had set the goal for "victory in local wars" and instructed the PLA to "improve training and preparation for war in all aspects and improve the ability of the army to fight and win."He further stated, "We will strengthen the normal and diversified use of military forces, carry out military struggles with determination and flexibility, shape the security posture, contain crises and conflicts, and win local wars."
