Strengthening Combat Power of Chinese Marine Corps... Attention on Xi Jinping's Visit to the Unit

Military Experts Predict Increase in Joint Exercises Including Amphibious Operations

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Amid rising military tensions surrounding the Taiwan Strait, there are expectations that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will strengthen the combat capabilities of its landing forces.

Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported on the 15th, citing military experts, that the PLA Navy Marine Corps will increase joint operational training to enhance combat readiness.

This assessment by military experts has drawn attention as it came shortly after Chinese President Xi Jinping inspected the Marine Corps unit in Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province.

On the 13th, President Xi visited the Marine Corps stationed in Chaozhou City and urged that the Marine Corps also needs to strengthen its objectives in line with the PLA's modernization efforts.

President Xi told the commanders, "The Marine Corps must present a roadmap aligned with its goals, direction, and the path and focus of team building."

Military experts interpreted President Xi's remarks as expressing dissatisfaction with the current state of the Marine Corps.

Li Jie, a military expert and former PLA Navy Major General, pointed out, "Amphibious operations in the Taiwan unification plan are only part of the Marine Corps' mission," adding that the Marine Corps' duties also include defending China's forward bases in the East China Sea and South China Sea.

He further emphasized, "The Marine Corps needs to strengthen modern combat programs not only in terms of scale but also through hardware and software upgrades."

Despite large-scale military reforms since President Xi took office, the Marine Corps has been the only PLA branch to continuously expand.

Military experts estimate that China plans to increase the Marine Corps personnel from 20,000 in 2017 to 100,000.

Moreover, the Jamestown Foundation, a U.S. think tank, estimates that the size of the Chinese Marine Corps could grow to 400,000.

China is also reportedly expanding its fleet of Type 071 amphibious assault ships (LHDs) dedicated to landing operations.

Additionally, in August, China conducted the first sea trial of the Type 075 amphibious assault ship, known as a "helicopter carrier."

Military experts predict that the Type 075 amphibious assault ship could be delivered to the Marine Corps as early as the first half of next year.

The Type 075 amphibious assault ship has a displacement of 40,000 tons, making it the third largest after the U.S. Wasp-class and America-class amphibious assault ships. While the U.S. Wasp-class ships carry not only helicopters but also vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, the Chinese Navy has yet to acquire VTOL aircraft.

Therefore, the Type 075 is expected to be equipped with about 30 helicopters, including Z-8J and Z-20J attack helicopters, amphibious tanks, armored vehicles, jet boats, and hundreds of troops.

Military experts note that the Type 075 could play roles in operations in disputed areas of the South China Sea and East China Sea, as well as missions targeting Taiwan. The PLA is also reportedly developing the Type 076 amphibious assault ship.

However, experts assess that China's amphibious assault ships are insufficient to match U.S. amphibious assault ships.

Li Jie said, "The Type 071 and Type 075 amphibious assault ships do not measure up to the U.S. Marine Corps' Wasp-class ships," explaining, "Because the Wasp-class can carry F-35B stealth fighters, but China has yet to develop stealth helicopters for deployment on amphibious assault ships."

Professor Colin Koh of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore interprets the rapid strengthening of the PLA Marine Corps as an effort to secure "expeditionary military power" to support China's expanding global interests.