Chinese Warfighting: The PLA Experience Since 1949

by Mark A. Ryan, David M. Finkelstein (Editor), Michael A. McDevitt

This is the first systematic study of modern China's military campaigns and the actual fighting conducted by the People's Liberation Army since the founding of the People's Republic. It provides a general overview of the evolution of PLA military doctrine, and then focuses on major combat episodes from the civil war with the Nationalists to the last significant combat in Vietnam in 1979, in addition to navy and air operations through 1999. In contrast to the many works on the specifics and hardware of China's military modernization, this book discusses such topics as military planning, command, and control; fighting and politics; combat tactics and performance; technological catch-up and doctrinal flexibility; the role of Mao Zedong; scale and typologies of fighting; and deterrence. The contributors include scholars from Mainland China, Taiwan, and the United States, who draw from a wealth of fresh archival sources.

Genres: China, History

344 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly decent coverage of PLA strategy and doctrine in various essays, beginning with the ejection of nationalist forces from the mainland in 1949. The article by Zhang, "Command, Control, and the PLA's Offensive Campaigns in Korea" was interesting as to the state of the PLA in 1950-1954 and it's reliance on Soviet assistance. The book is dated, now, because of the doctrinal and organizational changes within the PLA. The PLA has placed heavier emphasis on infomational and cyber warfare in recent years, and Tim Thomas's two works are good adjuncts to this book.

[Ted Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it was written in 2003, this is solid work that holds-up for today's PLA watchers. Ryan, Finklestein, and McDevitt assembled a quality team of contributors that presents the operational history of the PLA uniquely. I think the volume benefits by having three contributors who served with the PLA: Li Xiaobing, Yu Bin, and Cheng Feng. Their insider perspective is useful in understanding the political objectives and the strategic culture of the Chinese leadership.

The real meat of the book is found in chapters 5-10, which covers the PLA's operations in Korea, the Taiwan Strait, India, the Sino-Soviet border, and Vietnam. This section covers China's enduring problems with command & control, sea-lift, conducting joint operations, air-to-ground support, etc., while also highlighting the tactical successes of the PLA: mobile warfare, force concentration, artillery cover, surprise, night operations, battlefield preparation. Kenny's chapter, "Vietnamese Perceptions of the 1979 War with China," provides fascinating insights into how some of Vietnam's top generals, diplomats, and China experts viewed the war. Even though the conflict can be assessed as a military embarrassment for China, it also is viewed as a political victory for China. It definitely slowed-down Vietnamese ambition within SE Asia and gave Hanoi a perspective that China would be its greatest challenge in the Twenty-First Century.

[dcmetrolover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting book about the history of the PLA from its inception in 1949-1999. The book, written in 2003, is somewhat dated when discussing strategy and policy; but, the historical context is important to understanding how the PLA has developed to what it is now. I really enjoyed the chapter on “The PLA Navy at War: From Coast Defense to Distant Operations.”

[Susheil Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book to understand evolution of PLA. Must read for starters

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A varied and insightful anthology of essays on the history of the PLA with good analysis of Sino-US and Sino-USSR diplomatic moves and counter-moves from 1946 to 1979. I recommend reading the background of the 1931-45 Japanese occupation, the 1946-49 Chinese Civil War and the Cultural Revolution to put this book in perspective. Although the focus on doctrinal evolution, battle reports and international affairs, I found it lacking in coverage of PLA equipment and the defense industry.