China to optimize army size to strengthen defence

China will optimize the size and structure of its army, adjust and improve the proportion between various troops, and reduce non-combat institutions and personnel, the Communist Party of China (CPC) announced. The decision, which is among major issues concerning comprehensively deepening reforms, was approved at the close of the third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, the official Xinhua reported citing a CPC statement. It added that the CPC central committee called for innovation in military theory, strengthening military leadership, improving military strategy in the new era, and building a modern military power system with Chinese characteristics. "Leadership system of the army will be reformed, and the function and institution settings of the Central Military Commission (CMC) will be optimized," said the statement, adding that joint operation command authority under the CMC, and theater joint operation command system, will be improved. The decision also vowed to accelerate the building of new combat powers, and deepen the reform of military colleges. A scientific and standard army cadres system will be built, and non-military personnel system will be improved. It said the systems of defense research and production, and procurement of weaponry, will be reformed, as quality privately-owned enterprises will be allowed to join defense industry.