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Modernisation
Program
A wide range of problems also stand in the way of the
modernisation programme. Political and bureaucratic infighting,
limited absorptive capabilities, managerial and administrative
roadblocks and supplier controls will result in modest and limited
success in China’s effort to improve it’s military capabilities
through the acquisition of foreign weapons. The powerful and
continuing influence of the traditional tiyong
concept (Chinese learning for substance, Western learning for use)
that has both sustained and hindered China’s 150-year quest for
military modernisation will be difficult to overcome and have
important implications on China’s defence modernisation44.
Internally, within the PLA, the process of modernisation is also faced
with problems such as defections, mutinies and shoot-outs by men and
officers citing low pay scales and other grievances. Corruption has
been rampant especially after the decision to plunge the PLA into
commercial activities and Army-civilian seemed to be affected due to
the grabbing of local minerals and other precious resources by PLA
personnel in their commercial ventures45. |
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Bates Gill and Taeho Kim, op.cit., pp. 130-132.
Srikanth
Kondapalli, “Modernisation of the People’s Liberation Army”, Strategic Analysis, July 1996, p. 596.
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