The PLA at 99: How China's Military Went from Ragtag Rifles to World Class Force The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has evolved from a ragtag force of revolutionaries into one of the world's most formidable militaries.
As China's military marks 99 years since its inception on August 1, it is clear that the PLA's path to becoming a global power was shaped by centuries old strategies, Cold War era pragmatism, and an unwavering commitment to self reliance.
In its early days, the PLA was more akin to a militia than a modern army.