Asia Centre

22 May 2006, by J-P. Cabestan. The sidelining of Jiang Zemin and the changing of the guard that has taken place at the top of the PLA since 2002 leave no doubt on the power wielded by Hu and his team. But at what cost has this occurred, and does such control extend to matters of doctrine? The PLA, which has strong support in the National Assembly, is thought to still play a role, at least as a spur in this area although it is in the hands of the Military Control Commission (Party and State) and not the Politburo. A state within the state, but professionalized, the PLA is experiencing a rapid and regular increase in military expenditure, particularly concerning equipment.