China targets world‑class military by 2049 amid US rivalry

Former PLA colonel and Tsinghua University researcher Zhou Bo told the South China Morning Post that China aims to build a "world‑class" armed force by the centenary of the People's Republic in 2049, with a milestone of modernising its defence by 2035 and a symbolic target for the PLA’s own centenary in 2027. He said the lack of recent combat experience is a "dilemma" but pointed to successful missile tests and the export of Chinese weapons to Pakistan as evidence of growing capability. Zhou added that Beijing still seeks a peaceful reunification with Taiwan and has not set a timetable for any military action.

Marking the PLA’s 99th anniversary, Major‑General Carlos Branco wrote that the rapid modernisation of the People’s Liberation Army does not necessarily signal an intention to start a large‑scale war, but that Chinese leaders view a conflict with the United States as increasingly likely in the late 2020s or early 2030s. He argued that the acceleration reflects a broader national resilience strategy that prepares Chinese society for potential sanctions, supply‑chain disruptions, or a future confrontation.