In the past three years since Xi Jinping assumed leadership of the Communist Party of China, the international community has witnessed the People’s Liberation Army becoming more active, across the disputed Sino-Indian border, the South China Sea, and the Indian Ocean. As Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping is leading a historic transformation of the PLA from a land-centric homeland defence force, to one that is capable of intervening in regional contingencies. While it will take time before the PLA can match the global reach of the US military, the PLA is seeking to model itself on its American counterpart, emphasising joint operational capabilities and an ability to fight in a high-technology, ‘information technology’ environment. Yet the need to professionalise is only one aspect of the Chinese situation, and the reform measures called for, cover a wide range – from creating new organisations for the command and employment of the forces, to enhancing military training, discipline inspection, and audit.