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Originally Posted by Officer of Engineers
I disagree. The PLA is becoming more and more professional. We have seen for the 1st time since Lin Bao, the professional soldier instead of the revolutionary soldier.
Tianamen was an illegal order according to both the PRC's laws and the CCP's own doctrine. Those Generals who refused to obey the order did so out because it constituted a direct violation of their own rules ... but who was going to over-rule Deng Xia Peng?
Since General Cao had become the Minister of Defence, he sought and got confirmation that Tianamen Square style orders were both illegal and would never be issued again. It also helps when he is also the head of the Central Military Commission, the National HQ.
This has borned out that the PLA refused to get involve in Tibet ... and had the strength necessary to stay out.
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I am sure that PLA has become more professional. It’s also encouraging to see westerners having faith in PLA’s discipline and professionalism
However, the Chinese culture put so much emphasis on personal loyalty that expecting the generals to put whatever rules or laws ahead of personal loyalty requires too much faith. This is not just in the military; this “code of conduct” exists in every aspect of the society. Employees are often asked by their bosses to bend rules in their work, government employees and party officials bend rules for their superiors or their self interests, and even the judiciary system bends the law to please the establishment. Powerful people in China are almost beyond the law. (Chinese folks, please correct me if I am wrong.)
PLA’s refusal to get involved in Tibet is a good thing. But if I put on my cynical glasses, I’ll see that they are doing it for their self interest. Staying where they are they can probably make personal gains in economic development in the area. Suppression of Tibetans may put their personal career in danger. That seems to be an easy choice. After all, political leaders maintain political control for their self interest, how much can you expect military leaders to set aside their self interest?
Emotionally, I hope you are right. Military involvement in civil affairs will be a terrible thing. I just don’t have a lot of faith in their military leaders. Perhaps some Chinese have an inside reading?