Gray Dragons

Résumé du livre

This report analyzes more than 300 biographies of senior Chinese military officers from 2015 and 2021 to assess the composition, demographics, and career patterns of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) leadership. Key findings include the following points. The PLA is a conservative institution whose leaders waited their turn and achieved success in their services, and who have similar personal backgrounds. Senior PLA leaders are drawn relatively equally from the 5 theater commands and 13 group armies. PLA reforms left the army in a dominant position but increased opportunities for navy, air force, and Rocket Force officers to become senior leaders. PLA officers must continue to be responsive to Xi and the Chinese Communist Party. Future PLA operations could be hampered by officers with narrow perspectives. Some change is inevitable over the next decade, but the PLA will find it difficult to overturn traditions to promote a new model of PLA officer.