USI of India | An article by USI
file:///C|/Inetpub/wwwroot/web/Latest13Jun12/smart%20power.htm[6/18/2012 12:58:15 PM]
Transformation of PLA Logistics System : An
Analysis
Major General SB Asthana, SM, VSM*
General
The People’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) is undergoing a revolution in Military
Logistics. A historical review of PLA operations since Vietnam War (1979) reveals that
logistics and combat sustainability have been a weak link in PLAs prosecution of
operations. China’s entry into Korean War (1951) and subsequent campaigns
including the 1962 conflict exposed shortcomings in the Chinese logistics system.
During this period, China followed the operational doctrine of ‘active defence’ wherein
the logistics system had short lines of supply, lacked rapid mobilisation and strategic
transport capabilities. It was rigidly compartmentalised into separate service and
regional systems, with little integration between them.
Growing Importance of Logistics
In 1991, Jiang Zemin, Chairman Central Military Commission (CMC) and Party
General Secretary, included ‘logistics support’ as one of the five major requirements to
build-up the Army. He pointed out, “There would be no high combat effectiveness
without a strong logistic supply”. In 1999 he signed “PLA Joint Logistics Regulations”
considered a landmark in transformation of PLA Logistics System.
Administrative requirements to support modern wars under high tech conditions/
informationalised conditions and lessons learnt from the US Iraq-Afghanistan wars
compelled China to organise a “precision logistics” system which would render rapid,
accurate and timely logistics support by using information technology, scientific
organisation of logistics structures and adopting modern management means.1 The
PLA is working on a multilateral approach to build a modern logistics system. It has
initiated massive infrastructure development for integration of border areas, which
have military implications as well. This paper analyses salient aspects of PLA’s
futuristic logistics system and their military implications.
Logistics Focus of PLA
Chinese Strategic Focus Impacting Infrastructure and Logistics Developments.
With main strategic focus towards South and East China Sea (Taiwan and Spratly
Islands), development of ‘blue waters Navy and capability of projecting power beyond
regional waters, China has not lost focus towards conventional operations in her
periphery. The PLA would like to improve its military strength and overall capability to
protect its energy sources and supply routes. The General Logistics Department of the
PLA has embarked on modernisation of its combat logistics capability to enable
sustained operations well beyond borders. China has also embarked upon massive
infrastructure development in Tibet for integrating it with the Chinese system.
To this end, it is now improving its logistics system to support joint operations
involving the three Services and Strategic Missile Forces (Second Artillery). This
