CHINA'S MILITARY IS PROVING TO BE A PAPER DRAGON

Beyond training deficiencies, China's military modernisation efforts have been crippled by corruption.

- ASHISH SINGH NEW DELHI

For years, China has projected an image of military invincibility, flaunting hypersonic missile tests, unveiling stealth fighter jets, and orchestrating grand military parades designed to impress the world. The People's Liberation Army (PLA), with its vast personnel and deep state backing, is often perceived as a force capable of challenging the United States and its allies.

Yet, beneath the carefully curated spectacle lies an underwhelming reality—one defined by systemic weaknesses, unproven capabilities, and mounting strategic vulnerabilities. From unreliable weaponry, an ill-prepared conscript army, rampant corruption, and a lack of combat experience, China's military remains more of a paper dragon than a formidable war machine.

TECHNOLOGICAL SHORTCOMINGS AND WEAPON FAILURES

China has carefully constructed an image of military dominance through statecontrolled media, selective leaks of supposed technological breakthroughs, and aggressive propaganda. But the reality on the ground often tells a different story. While Beijing has invested heavily in its military-industrial complex, many of its advancements are reverseengineered copies of foreign designs, struggling to match the quality and reliability of their Western counterparts.

The much-touted J-20 stealth fighter, often compared to America's F-35, continues to suffer from engine limitations, avionics shortfalls, and questionable stealth capabilities. Reports indicate that China has yet to mass-produce its WS-15 engine, forcing it to rely on outdated Russian AL-31F engines, which significantly undercut the J-20's performance in combat scenarios. Similarly, China's hypersonic missile tests, while impressive in state-controlled narratives, remain unproven in actual warfare. Many of these weapons have not been tested under battlefield conditions, raising doubts about their reliability.

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