PLA Overseas Operations in 2035: Inching Toward a Global Combat Capability

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The Chinese military presence in the “far seas” beyond Asia is growing and will expand further as the PLA moves toward its 2035 goal of fielding a fully modern military.
Existing overseas activities are mostly conducted by a single service and have not involved combat.
Future scenarios for overseas joint operations include larger-scale military operations other than war, extended-range counterintervention, and overseas combat.
Conducting more complex overseas operations would require substantial improvements in PLA capabilities, including a better developed global command structure, increases in sealift and airlift assets, a stronger overseas joint logistics system, and more effective joint commanders.
Changes in the domestic or regional security environment or intensified U.S.-China competition could accelerate a transition toward greater emphasis on expeditionary operations, including higher-end combat scenarios.

National Defense University Fort Lesley J. McNair Washington, DC 20319-5066
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