A former officer of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has shed light on the widespread corruption and readiness issues that plagued the Chinese military in the past. Yao Cheng, a former lieutenant colonel and staff officer with the PLA who now resides in the US, revealed that Chinese troops used to extract fuel from missiles to prepare meals, including the beloved hot pot.
During his time in the military, Yao witnessed instances of servicemen resorting to raiding weapons components for survival. In an interview with Radio Free Asia, he stated that they would drain fuel from aircraft fuel tanks and dismantle solid fuel from missiles to use in cooking, as supplies were scarce. Hot pot, a traditional Chinese communal meal, was a popular choice among the troops.
Yao’s revelations coincide with reports of ongoing corruption within the PLA. Instances of missiles filled with water instead of fuel and malfunctioning missile silos have been documented, reflecting the persistent issues within the Chinese military.
It remains uncertain how these problems impact China’s overall military capabilities and readiness. However, recent leadership shakeups, such as the removal of the defense minister and top commanders of China’s Rocket Force, have raised concerns about loyalty and control within the PLA. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s tightening grip on both the Chinese Communist Party and the military reinforces the notion that he is prioritizing absolute leadership over the armed forces.
While efforts to modernize and transform China’s military continue, the revelations made by Yao serve as a reminder of the operational challenges and corruption that have historically hindered the PLA. The Chinese leadership will undoubtedly be compelled to address these issues to ensure the successful development of a world-class military capable of effectively engaging in warfare.
FAQ:
1. What issues has a former officer of the PLA shed light on?
Yao Cheng, a former officer of the PLA, revealed widespread corruption and readiness issues within the Chinese military.
2. How did Chinese troops resort to survival tactics?
Yao witnessed instances of servicemen draining fuel from aircraft fuel tanks and dismantling solid fuel from missiles to use for cooking due to scarce supplies.
3. What was a popular meal choice among the troops?
Hot pot, a traditional Chinese communal meal, was a popular choice among the troops.
4. What other issues have been documented within the PLA?
Reports have surfaced about missiles being filled with water instead of fuel and malfunctioning missile silos, reflecting ongoing problems within the Chinese military.
5. How do these problems affect China’s military capabilities and readiness?
It remains uncertain how these problems impact China’s overall military capabilities and readiness.
6. What leadership shakeups have raised concerns?
The removal of the defense minister and top commanders of China’s Rocket Force has raised concerns about loyalty and control within the PLA.
7. What does Chinese President Xi Jinping’s leadership reinforce?
President Xi Jinping’s leadership reinforces the notion that he prioritizes absolute control and leadership over the Chinese Communist Party and the military.
Definitions:
1. PLA – People’s Liberation Army, the military of the People’s Republic of China.
2. Hot pot – a traditional Chinese communal meal that involves cooking various ingredients in a shared pot of simmering broth at the dining table.
Suggested related links:
1. China Vitae – Provides information on Chinese leaders and their biographies.
2. GlobalSecurity.org – China Military – Offers an in-depth analysis of China’s military capabilities and developments.