Chinese PLA targets on defense might in multidimensional battlefields after 82-year development

By Xinhua Writer Yan Hao

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The major part of China's armed forces, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), has targeted on building up a defense might capable to handle threats in multidimensional battlefields.

Chinese soldiers perform during a vocal concert marking the 82nd anniversary of the establishment of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, Aug. 1, 2009.(Xinhua/Li Jian)

Celebrating the PLA's 82th founding anniversary which falls on August 1, military experts told Xinhua that an ongoing significant reform inside the 2.3-million strong might will take much more attentions to modernization of the navy and air force.

Among the three PLA's senior officers who were promoted to full generals on July 20, Deputy Chief of General Staff Ma Xiaotian was awarded three-star insignias on shoulder of his original Air Force blue uniform.

The PLA's officers from different services used to change to the Army's green uniforms if they are promoted to positions in the PLA's four headquarters, a symbol of the Army's dominance in the PLA's construction and development.

For example, General Liu Huaqing abandoned his white uniform as the Navy's commander after being promoted to Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) in 1987.