The difficulty of fully understanding the PLA is a major concern for the Indian military, as structural uncertainties amplify conventional threats and evolving technologies redefine security challenges. But the problem is not confined to China’s opacity; it is equally rooted in India’s own structural weaknesses, intelligence culture, and institutional priorities. What is structurally broken—and why does it remain unaddressed?
Thousands of analysts, academicians and enthusiasts are engaged the world over in studying China, and yet, the country continues to remain an arcane, demanding subject.
Out of all the aspects, assessing the Chinese military or the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is among the most difficult.
These challenges are further compounded if one is a military analyst, attempting to assess the PLA from India. Indian analysts encounter ten major challenges in assessing China as an adversary.