China’s army will step up reform efforts

Significance This was consistent with a long-running emphasis on preparing the PLA for future warfare that involves new types of informational and technological dynamics. One effect will be to increase centralised control over ‘strategic’ capabilities and the PLA’s overall coordination. Impacts The reform is potentially disruptive in the short-term, but it was likely carefully considered to improve the PLA’s performance longer-term. The apparent continued Chinese perception that the PLA’s organisation remains suboptimal reduces the odds of a Taiwan Strait conflict. The ISF will ready the PLA for wars that hinge on information and communication technology and AI.