China May Reduce 5 of 18 Army Groups of Its Land Forces

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army is going to reduce its several army corps in the frameworks of the ongoing military reform.

China May Reduce 5 of 18 Army Groups of Its Land Forces

PLA troops pictured taking part in a military parade in the centre of Beijing two years ago (Photo: SCMP / Simon Song)

Five army groups (army corps) of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will be reduced within the framework of the ongoing military reform, the South China Morning Post newspaper reported, citing its own military sources.

Four army groups, in particular the 14th, 20th, 27th and 47th corps are supposed to be disbanded, while the 40th and 16th corps will be combined. Some part of the disbanded army’s units may be transferred to marines of the Chinese Navy and the airborne forces of the PLA Air Force.

On March 13, the same newspaper reported, citing some military sources, that the number of marines of the PLA Navy will be increased manyfold, as well as that two brigades from the ground forces had already been transferred to its composition in addition to the two previously existing brigades of marines. In total, the number of marines may be brought up to 100,000 of people, some of whom will be deployed in Djibouti and the Pakistani port of Gwadar.

As it is known, the total number of the PLA should be reduced by 300,000 people (from 2.3 million to 2 million people). Some 170,000 of them will be reduced from the ranks of non-combat personnel. However, taking into account the anticipated large-scale increase in the number of marines, the most part of the job cut will be taken by the ground forces.

The picture below shows army corps that can be disbanded or combined.

China May Reduce 5 of 18 Army Groups of Its Land Forces

Photo: SCMP

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Solomon Krupacek

china has evidently financial problems. for several yeras continuously slows down the development of army.

VGA

No. Reducing the size is part of the plan to modernize their equipment and shift their focus to their Navy and Air Force and away from the Army.

They still have big plans to create big navy with carrier strike forces and a modern air force without relying on imported aircraft etc.

Solomon Krupacek

i dont think so. this trend is during last 4 years.

Occlot Dions

Russia reduced their army when they started the modernizing. Large armies are obsolete.

Solomon Krupacek

rusia made a failer. such big country needs large army. and china has problems with money.

Thegr8rambino

u are wrong on like everything dude lol

Solomon Krupacek

yes, you are the hero. i am already older ind wiser. i read lots of artickes about soviet army, warsaw pact, how good are, how no chance has nmaerica to win the cold war. due to military officer ecamination i am not nobody like you. already in taht time i knew, this russian propaganda is bukllshit. my theories were valued by historyx :P
and now i read the same bullshits about GOOD low budget, GOOD low army, etc… for country, ehich is in 2 continents. you, little coyot, you have no brain. ;)

Thegr8rambino

Take some more English classes then talk to me

Solomon Krupacek

you are animal. far enough my englesh for you.
ifyou wouldbe syrian- but you are not – you should take 2 rookies with. and so do all syrian soldiers. bnut you are nothing.

with animals i do not discuss. ia ma going to block you. do not bore yourseklf with answer, i never will see them.

Thegr8rambino

Still can’t understand u dude its pretty painful trying to read ur English lol

Robert McMaster

They’re thinning the herd. Cleaning out the Augean stable of the ossified officeriate. Just as the Russians have done. They’ll be back, re-built, re-freshed up a few notches, your go-to guys.

Thegr8rambino

i wish china would send some troops to help SAA

Solomon Krupacek

will not do

Thegr8rambino

Not with u commenting on everything lol

mark123456

I see 6, not 5, items crossed out.