Peoples Liberation Army Navy

The naval arm of the [People's Liberation Army]?, the military of the [People's Republic of China]?. Until the early 1990's, the navy performed a subordinate role to the PLA land forces. The strategy of the PLAN was a combination of [Maoist guerilla warfare]? and the Soviet [young officers school]?.

In recent years, the PLAN has become more prominent oweing to a change in Chinese strategic priorities. The possibility of a massive land attack by the Soviet Union has receded, and the new strategic threats include conflict with the United States or a resurgent Japan in areas such as Taiwan or the Spratly Islands.