PLA Commentary Calls for Modernizing Mass Military Training Competitions

A commentary published by the PLA Daily has urged Chinese military units to enhance the innovation and technological depth of mass military training competitions. The article called on commanders at all levels to move away from assembling select elite squads solely to win contests, advocating instead for universal participation across every soldier, weapon system, and operational element. Citing directives from Chinese leadership, the commentary emphasized adapting grassroots training to evolving operational methods and the demands of modern combat power generation.

The commentary highlights ongoing efforts within the People's Liberation Army to reform grassroots training methodologies. As the military modernizes, leadership is seeking to eliminate superficial practices and ensure that training competitions directly translate into systemic, collective battlefield capabilities rather than isolated individual performances.

Grassroots military training competitions across the People's Liberation Army (PLA) must increase their technological sophistication and adapt to evolving modes of warfare, according to a commentary published in the PLA Daily and carried by China Military Online. The commentary, authored by Gong Huaixing, noted that mass training and skills competitions are in full swing across PLA garrisons. However, the author argued that such drills must align with changes in operational methods and shifts in combat power generation models to ensure high-quality training and practical battlefield returns. Citing guidance from Chinese President Xi Jinping, the piece emphasized that mass training must rigorously prepare every individual soldier, each type of equipment, and all operational elements to solidify the foundational capabilities required to win wars. The article described mass training competitions as an effective traditional practice for building enthusiasm and readiness, but noted that modern warfare requires updating their content and methodologies. The commentary drew a distinction between specialized elite contests and broader mass competitions. Citing military theoretical perspectives that warfare is shifting toward collective professional capability rather than isolated elite actions, the author stated that mass competitions should be inclusive events aimed at elevating the comprehensive competence of entire units. Commanders at all levels were explicitly urged to discard practices focused solely on developing individual standout performers or assembling specialized teams purely to win competitions. Instead, the commentary stressed that training must engage all personnel, encourage collective innovation, and cultivate holistic combat readiness across the force.