In today's military landscape of the world, the remarks of an expert on American affairs have attracted widespread attention. The expert claimed that although China's huge army number exceeds 1 million, it is useless in modern warfare, and only the navy and air force are really combat-ready, and the total number is even less than 800,000. The argument sparked ridicule on the Internet, but in the eyes of fellow experts, there was some truth. Let's take a look at this controversial "Army Uselessness Theory".
Looking back on history, before the Industrial Revolution, the Army has always been the main force of various forces. At that time, the navy relied on wind power, and the air force had not yet been born. In those days, infantry platoon shooting was the main way to defeat hostile countries, and forward kicks became the norm in armies. However, with Fulton's successful launch of a steamship in 1807, the Navy began to make a name for itself. The speed of this new type of vessel surpassed that of traditional oar- or sail-driven vessels, leading to the rise of the navy in the mid-19th century, and steamships as the main means of maritime transportation.
During this period, the United States built the USS Savannah, a giant steamship that marked the pinnacle of the steamship era. With a length of about 90 meters and a speed of up to 12 knots per hour, its appearance marked the rapid development of naval power. However, this does not mean that the Army has lost its importance in the military evolution. Looking back on modern wars such as the War of Resistance Against Japan, the War of Liberation, and the Korean War, the Army has played a decisive role and has become the last card of the Army.
Some voices believe that the disparagement of the Chinese Army by American experts may stem from its cultural and geopolitical limitations. The geographical location of the United States determines its emphasis on sea power, and the United States, located in North America, has few strong opponents on land. This geographical location has led the United States to focus its military strategy more on maritime civilization, which is deeply ingrained in its cultural heritage. However, if we swap the geographical locations of China and the United States, we may be able to better understand the actual role of the Army in the war.
In modern warfare, the navy and air force are of course crucial, but the ultimate victory is still inseparable from the control of the land. Human beings are not fish, they cannot live in the sea, and they cannot fly in the sky forever. Therefore, land has always been the core of military operations, and territory is the foundation of a nation and a nation. For China, especially in modern warfare, the army has played a decisive role. Historical moments such as the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the War of Liberation have witnessed the fearlessness and perseverance of the Chinese Army.
However, the disparagement of the Chinese Army by American experts is not solely for geopolitical reasons. It has been argued that the U.S. Army has struggled to achieve decisive victories in wars such as Afghanistan, Vietnam, and the Middle East. A veteran of the Volunteer Army once commented on American prisoners of war: "After so many years of fighting, it is the first time I have seen a soldier who surrendered on his knees." This sentence may have caused some misunderstanding of the Chinese army among American experts.
Ultimately, the military is a continuation of politics. War cannot be separated from politics, and no war can be won by political defeat. The Army played an irreplaceable role in maintaining order and defending the borders after the war. When the occupied areas have not yet been established, the army acts as a temporary police force to maintain order. Good army discipline is essential to achieve political goals, otherwise it will provoke revolt and ultimately make it difficult to achieve political goals.
In this uncertain world, we need to look at the rhetoric of military experts, but we also need to look rationally at the military power of each country. Although China's army lags behind developed countries in some aspects, its contribution to safeguarding and defending territorial sovereignty cannot be ignored. And the rhetoric of American experts may also need to be examined more objectively to avoid misunderstandings based on narrow cultural perceptions and geopolitical positions. After all, every army is dedicating itself to its country and deserves to be looked at with an open mind.