# Acupuncture

Needles for the Navy: Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Force Multiplier in the South China Sea

The PLA Navy is increasingly integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into its medical readiness strategy to combat chronic injuries in the South China Sea. Led by civilian specialists like Tian Jian, this initiative also serves as a soft-power tool during overseas missions while showcasing the success of the military's professionalized civilian cadre reforms.