The People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force has been instrumental to the modernisation of China’s military system and an important actor in the country’s defense strategy. Established in 2015, the PLASSF combines electronic warfare, cyber operations, and space capabilities to enhance the general capabilities of China’s military. Thus, this article will take a holistic view in the discussion of the PLASSF by exploring its achievements, capabilities, challenges, ranks, weapons, powers, rights, funding, and future directions.
A Brief History of the PLASSF
Background and Objectives
The PLASSF was founded officially on 31 December 2015; it is part of the broader military reforms initiated by China to modernise its armed forces. The purpose is strategic support across all domains within cyber, electronic warfare, and space, all fully integrated into the war-fighting force in the People’s Liberation Army.
Important Dates
- 2015: PLASSF is significant as the establishment was a radical transformation in military doctrine, which stressed the non-kinetic capabilities.
- 2017: In international peacekeeping, Chinese military portrayed operational flexibility; this was a great achievement for PLASSF .
- The cyber capabilities and technological advancement of satellite, which underpin the ability of PLASSF, remain current in the 2020s.
Triumphs of the PLASSF
Modernisation Programs
From inception, Chinese Strategic Support Force has made giant strides in modernisation of capabilities:
- Cyber Warfare Capabilities: High-tech cyber capabilities have enabled the PLASSF to do both defensive and offensive cyber operations. This is an added way of safeguarding national interests to complement threat countering.
- Electronic Warfare: PLASSF has enhanced its capabilities in electronic warfare, which includes jamming and deception techniques. It spoils the enemy’s communications and radar systems.
Operational Successes
The PLASSF has demonstrated its effectiveness in the conduct of various exercises and operations:
- Joint Military Exercises: Participating in joint exercises with other PLA arms and foreign militaries has enhanced its operational cohesiveness and success.
- Cyber Defense Operations: Successful execution of cyber defense strategies has protected critical infrastructure from potential threats.
Capacities of the PLASSF
Personnel Strength
The PLASSF has approximately 150,000 active personnel who are distributed in separate units carrying out cyber operations, electronic warfare, and space activities. This manpower strength allows the PLASSF to maintain an appropriate level of operational readiness.
Key Domains
The PLASSF operates in the following three domains:
- Cyber Operations: This is an offensive and defensive cyber operations domain for The People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force, aiming to secure China’s cyber infrastructure while deterring would-be aggressors.
- Electronic Warfare: The PLASSF uses advanced electronic warfare systems to jam enemy communication, navigation, and surveillance capabilities.
- Space Operations: The PLASSF controls satellite operations with main activities of reconnaissance, navigation, and communication to support military operations.
Technological Advancements
The PLASSF utilises advanced technologies for improved capabilities:
- Artificial Intelligence: The use of AI facilitates data analysis and decision-making within cyber and electronic warfare operations.
- Satellite Technology: Technological development for more advanced satellite systems enhances reconnaissance and is in line with enhanced situational awareness.
PLASSF Challenges
Geopolitical Tension
The PLASSF operates in a very complex geopolitical environment both with the United States as well as neighboring countries. They have had times of tension. The People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force has to keep abreast with constantly changing threats, which is a challenge of great proportions.
Budget Constraint End
Budgetary constraints may affect procurement and modernisation despite availability of funds. Strategic use of resources is essential in maintaining operational prowess.
Technological Competition
With rapid development of global military technology, the Chinese Strategic Support Force needs to be innovative to prevent new-type threats and sustain strategic competitive advantage. The capacity to keep abreast with developments in cyber and space capabilities is one of the critical ones.
Training and Readiness
The PLASSF is constantly faced with the challenge of ensuring that personnel are adequately trained in rapidly evolving technologies and tactics.
Age Limit and Recruitment in the PLASSF
Age Limits for Recruitment
The PLASSF strictly adheres to age criteria for recruitment:
- Regular Enlistment: Candidates must be within the age group of usually 18 to 22 years.
- Specialised Roles: Recruiting technical and special positions may allow candidates up to 25 years of age.
Career Progression and Ranks
The People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force has a career progression program whereby personnel advance through the ranks based on performance and experience. The ranks are as follows:
Commissioned Ranks
- Second Lieutenant: A junior officer who commands small units.
- Lieutenant: A commissioned officer trained in operations as well as the training of troops.
- Captain: A commanding officer of large units and strategic operations.
- Commander: High-ranking officers commanding a specialised unit or a large formation.
Non-Commissioned Ranks
Non-commissioned personnel, in support and operational functions, are vital to unit effectiveness and harmony.
PLASSF Weapons and Capabilities
Armament and Equipment
The People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force has a range of technologies and systems involved in cyber and electronic warfare:
- Cyber Defence Tools: Superior software and hardware solutions position the PLASSF in the best place to execute defensive and offensive cyber operations.
- Electronic Warfare Systems: Advanced jamming and countermeasure systems improve the PLASSF’s ability to degrade the enemy’s operations capabilities.
Emerging Technologies
The Chinese Strategic Support Force continually advance the inclusion of advanced technologies toward revolutionising its future operations:
- Quantum Computing: Research into quantum computing may provide paramount advantages in data processing and cyber operations.
- Space-Based Systems: Advanced satellite systems will be able to increase reconnaissance and communication capabilities that support the military operation.
Logistics and Support Systems
The PLASSF focuses on logistics and support systems in ensuring operational preparedness:
- Supply Chain Management : There is a strong sense of need relating to logistics frameworks that cater to the maintenance of technology and its rapid deployment.
- Training Facilities: Infrastructure investment in training facilities ensures personnel who are well-prepared for many scenarios of operations.
Powers and Authorities of the PLASSF
Law Enforcement Powers
The PLASSF, even though ostensibly a military force, under Chinese law, has certain powers, which include:
- Authorisation to Conduct Cyber Operations: The People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force is authorised to conduct cyber operations in support of protecting national security and countering potential threats.
- Electronic Warfare Operations: PLASSF is authorised to conduct electronic warfare operations that will counter adversary capabilities during conflicts.
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Rights of PLASSF Personnel
Legal Protections
The People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force members benefit from numerous laws, among those listed but not limited to the following:
- Service Regulations: Military laws ensure fair treatment and discipline among the personnel.
- Welfare Programs: Health, education, and housing benefits for military families.
PLASSF Occupational Rights
The personnel in service have rights to their work environment, including but not limited to:
- Safety Protocols: The implementation of safety protocols ensures safety during training and operations.
- Grievance Redressal: Procedures on service conditions grievances provision of openness and accountability.
Funding and Budgetary Provision for the PLASSF
Government Grants
Sufficient government funding is provided by the Chinese government to the PLASSF, as the project is strategically of importance:
- 2023 Defense Budget: A sizable percent of the overall defense budget is committed to cyber and space capabilities are given strong emphasis to modernise and ensure operational capability.
- Long-Term Investment: A multi-year plan is built upon building strategic support capabilities in all domains.
Fund Allocation
These funds are primarily spent on:
- Training Programs: Extensive investments in comprehensive training build strong technical and operational capability.
- Technology Acquisition: The procurement of sophisticated systems and technology facilitates smooth functioning.
- Infrastructure Development: The construction and upgradation of command centers and training facilities maintain growing demands from operations.
Future Directions in the PLASSF
Modernisation Efforts
Modernising the capabilities of The People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force will involve intensive rejuvenation initiatives in making it highly effective:
- Next Generation Technologies: Sustained efforts at upgrading Cyber and Electronic Warfare Systems for strategic gains.
- Increased Space Operations: Replenishment of advanced satellite technology for improved reconnaissance and communications missions.
Strategic Readiness
To maintain the dynamism of current geopolitics, the Chinese Strategic Support Force shall be at a high level of readiness:
- Enhanced Training Courses: Repeated training to adhere to the different security needs and undermine the emerging threats that may be observed.
- Cyber Security Enhancements: Better emphasis on having strong cyber defenses against cyber attacks and threats.
Environmental Factors
With the expanded operations, the Chinese Strategic Support Force would likely seek a balance or rather find an appropriate approach in environmental sustainability as it ensures readiness to act operationally, reveals little ecological impact, and develops responsible military practices.
Conclusion
The People’s Liberation Army Strategic Support Force is an important component of China’s national security strategy, helping improve deterrence and safeguarding national interests. Some of its modernisation achievement, readiness for operations, and technological prowess give an insight into the level of importance the PLASSF portrays in modern security dynamics. However, despite these shortcomings, the PLASSF adheres to a strategy of modernisation, joint operations, and community engagement-all strategies that will improve its effectiveness.
As the Chinese Strategic Support Force continues to evolve in response to a dynamic security environment, emphasis on operational readiness, technological advancement, and environmental sustainability will be critical to ensuring China’s strategic edge.
But in April 2024, China removes the PLASSF and establishes ISF.
