China challenges misconceptions about its military effectiveness

China, officially the People's Republic of China, underwent a military transformation starting in the 20th century. Before this period, military service was often seen as a punishment, and soldiers were associated more with disorder than valor. During the Cold War, particularly from 1949 to 1989, China utilized military force more often and, arguably, with more success than the Soviet Union. For example, China provided significant military support to North Vietnam during the 1960s, deploying large numbers of troops which impacted the course of the war and altered the strategies of global superpowers like the US and the USSR. In February 1979, China invaded Vietnam, a newly allied Soviet state, which demonstrated the resilience and strategic adaptability of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Despite facing challenges during the campaign, the PLA's ability to absorb casualties and execute major offensives highlighted a new military capability. This demonstrated that allegations of Chinese military incompetence were unfounded and potentially dangerous, especially as China had begun to emerge as a superpower. Post-Mao, the PLA underwent profound modernization efforts addressing not just military technology but also the social and political structure within the armed forces. This modernization was essential in responding to new international dynamics following the Soviet Union's collapse, eventually leading China to reserve its military power primarily for protecting core national interests, such as during the 1995-1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis. By the late 2010s, the nature of global politics had transformed, solidifying China's status as a significant economic and military force worldwide. The myth of Chinese military incompetence not only stands historically incorrect but poses potential future risks for international relations if it is not acknowledged and understood by other nations.