Xi: PLA to be on par with US army by ’27

Beijing, November 1

The just-concluded key conclave of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) has finalised plans to build a fully modern military on a par with the US by 2027, media reports here said.

By 2027, which marks the centennial of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), China will build a fully modern military, a goal that is in alignment with the national strength and will fulfil the future national defence need, state-run Global Times quoted Chinese analysts as saying on Saturday.

The plenary session of the ruling CPC headed by President Xi Jinping, which held a four-day meeting, adopted his proposals for the formulation of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035.

While the 14th Five-Year Plan envisages massive overhaul of the country’s domestic market to boost consumption in order to reduce China’s reliance on shrinking exports markets, the Vision 2035 visualises a long-term plan, reflecting the development vision of Xi, including the military.

Politically, Xi’s Vision 2035 plan sparked speculation that he could continue in power for the next 15 years.

Xi, 67, has emerged as the CPC’s most powerful leader after its founder Mao Zedong, holding the posts of CPC general secretary, head of the military besides the presidency with prospects of a life-long tenure. A constitutional amendment in 2018 has removed the two-five-year term limit for the President, which would enable Xi to continue in power for life. His second term as the President is due to end in 2022. — PTI

Intel: China eyeing Nepal territory

New Delhi: Intelligence agencies have alerted top functionaries in the Indian security set-up about a Chinese design to illegally occupy Nepalese land in the Himalayan country’s seven northern bordering districts.

In a report to the government, the agencies have flagged that Chinese PLA has been moving fast to push itself within the Nepalese borders by encroaching landmasses.

Sources in the security set-up said, “In the real sense on the ground the situation could be worse as the Nepali Communist Party is trying to keep under wrap the expansionist agenda of the Chinese Communist Party.”

The intelligence report has also talked about how the Nepal’s Survey Department brought the issue of Chinese land grab to the notice of their top political leadership, but it was ignored. TNS