China’s military to refocus on R&D after decade-long hardware drive: analysts
- More PLA resources to go towards integration and modernisation of the armed forces – rather than buying weapon systems, observers say
- Some of the changes are being informed by the lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict
Observers said the war exposed a series of weaknesses in Russia’s Soviet-designed weapons, equipment and military doctrines – approaches the People’s Liberation Army inherited.
“The ongoing confrontations and tensions between China and the United States also reminded Beijing of the urgency of keeping scientific expertise within the defence industry, especially in research institutions,” said Zhou Chenming, a researcher with the Beijing-based Yuan Wang military science and technology think tank.
Zhou said that over the past 10 years or so, the PLA had invested most of its resources in buying hardware and weapons systems.
“The premier’s government report suggests China will slow down its defence manufacturing, and focus more on research and development of defence-related technologies,” he said.
He added that the lack of investment in research has hindered the PLA from upgrading its equipment and reaching its long-term goal of integrating all its combat wings and weapons platforms.
