Recently, General Dan Kane, the nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated in his testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee that although the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has the largest naval force in the world, advanced missile technology, and a rapidly modernizing air force, it lacks obvious experience in conducting modern military operations, especially in logistics support and troop command. This view has sparked extensive discussions: does the PLA really lack combat experience during peacetime? With the widespread application of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and the rapid development of modern comprehensive training bases, has this shortcoming been effectively addressed?

General Kane's concerns are not unfounded. As an army that has not experienced large-scale warfare over the past few decades, the PLA indeed faces natural limitations in accumulating combat experience during peacetime. However, the form of modern warfare has long transcended traditional "combat experience." In today's technology-driven era, warfare relies more on information-based command systems, intelligent weapons, and efficient logistics networks, all of which are areas where the PLA has focused its efforts in recent years.
Firstly, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) technology has greatly enhanced the PLA's operational simulation and decision-making capabilities. By constructing highly realistic virtual battlefields, AI can simulate complex multi-service joint operations scenarios and adjust tactical plans based on real-time data. This "virtual combat" allows troops to accumulate a wealth of experience in dealing with modern warfare without actual engagement. Additionally, the introduction of big data enables the PLA to quickly analyze massive amounts of intelligence and accurately predict enemy movements, thereby compensating for the lack of traditional experience.

Secondly, cloud computing technology has injected new vitality into the PLA's logistics support and command system. Based on cloud platforms, distributed command systems enable real-time collaboration between units, ensuring efficiency in information flow and resource allocation. The "logistics weakness" mentioned by General Kane has gradually been replaced by efficient digital supply chains and intelligent scheduling systems supported by cloud computing. For example, the PLA's ability to conduct long-distance material delivery demonstrated during exercises is precisely a reflection of this technological advancement.
More importantly, the construction of modern comprehensive training bases has provided the PLA with a near-combat training environment. These bases integrate high-tech simulation equipment,全域perception networks, and multidimensional confrontation systems, realistically recreating the complexity of modern warfare. From urban operations to maritime blockades, from electronic warfare to high-speed weapon confrontations, the PLA has undergone intense practical drills through high-intensity training, no longer limited to "paper war." For instance, a certain comprehensive training base located inland uses diverse terrain and technological advantages to successfully simulate various combat scenarios, comprehensively tempering the troops' command, coordination, and adaptability.

Certainly, practical combat experience cannot be fully replaced by technology, but the outcome of modern warfare depends more on systemic combat capabilities than on individual battle experiences. Through technological innovation and training upgrades, the PLA has largely compensated for the shortage of experience during peacetime. In contrast, General Kane's mention at the hearing of the U.S. defense industry's inability to cope with prolonged conflicts may warrant closer attention. Faced with China's rapid progress in military modernization, America's concerns seem not only a doubt about the PLA's "lack of experience" but also anxiety about its own capability bottlenecks.
In summary, whether the PLA lacks modern military operational experience cannot be simply measured by traditional standards. With the support of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and modern training systems, the PLA is reshaping its combat capabilities in new ways. General Kane's argument may only scratch the surface of the issue, failing to grasp the deeper changes brought about by technological revolutions. On the future battlefield, the competition between experience and technology will be the key determinant of victory.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7491581451982307849/
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