Exovera’s latest report, “Constructing a New Military Training System,” outlines the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) evolving approach to training reform under Xi Jinping’s leadership. Building on years of doctrinal updates and structural changes, the report highlights a strategic shift toward combat realism, joint operations, and “intelligentized” warfare. Following the Central Military Commission’s (CMC) 2021 decision to develop a new training system, the PLA has implemented major reforms beginning with basic training, guided by the “Four Changes” model—specialized trainers, intensive training, simulated training, and standardized assessments.
The report continues with a detailed examination of the PLA’s efforts to institutionalize combined arms training, the next stage in its reform effort. A new model based on “Three Trainings” was introduced in 2024 to improve tactical coordination across services, enhance frontline autonomy, and conduct realistic confrontational testing. These efforts aim to break down service-level barriers, enable faster decision-making with networked command links, and prepare the force for multi-domain warfare. While a third stage focused on joint training is anticipated, the report concludes that if the PLA can overcome persistent “peace disease” and execute these reforms effectively, it may narrow the gap in capabilities with leading global militaries.
