Till Dec. 31, 2005, China had cut its army by 200,000 troops as scheduled. From the year 2006, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will operate under a new establishment system.

The readjustment and reform program of the PLA was started in 2003. The strength of the PLA now has been reduced to 2.3 million troops after trimmed by 200, 000.

Through the reform, the proportion of the ground force to the whole army has fallen to a record low; the air force has cut corps (base) and started regional commanding; the Second Artillery Forces improved the organization of the battle force by cutting and merging some departments.

China has also downsized the number of logistical organizations and personnel and military educational institutions.

The proportions of navy, air force, and the Second Artillery Forces, as well as that for the battle force, have all seen a remarkable rise.

Besides, the number of PLA's officers has also been brought down by 170, 000, resulting in an improved officer-soldier ratio.

The reform brought gratifying changes to the PLA with a smaller size, optimized composition, substantiated capacity, efficient leading organs, and downsized logistics camp.

Marching towards a proper scale, a rational structure, capable institutions, quick commanding as well as strong fight, the PLA has structurally enhanced its combat capabilities.

By People's Daily Online