People's Army Forges Ahead: The Modernization and Strengthening of China's Military

A recent short film, "The Guardians," has been a significant part of this effort, sparking widespread discussion online and even being featured in a Ministry of National Defense press conference. The film, dedicated to "the most adorable people," has been a hit among Chinese netizens, and its release coincided with the 98th anniversary of the founding of the PLA. Other social media content, including military songs like "The Motherland Will Not Forget" and tributes to heroic acts such as the "15 Airborne Warriors" of the Wenchuan earthquake, has also contributed to the positive sentiment and public engagement with the topic.

But what does "人民军队攻坚向前" really mean? At its core, the phrase represents the historical trajectory of the PLA in consistently overcoming obstacles and advancing. It also reflects the current drive for a powerful and modern Chinese military, with a focus on achieving the centennial goal of army building. The phrase is deeply intertwined with the Chinese Communist Party's leadership over the military and its role in achieving the "Chinese Dream" of national rejuvenation.

The development of this story can be traced through several key aspects, including the conceptual origins of the phrase, its historical context, and its modern implications. The concept of "攻坚" (overcoming difficulties) is central to the PLA's identity and is reflected in its revolutionary history and subsequent modernization efforts.

The recent documentary series "攻坚" (Gōngjiān), which started airing on CCTV-1 on August 1st, further underscores the current emphasis on achieving the centennial goal of army building. The series focuses on "forging political loyalty and winning the battle of '攻坚'", showcasing the PLA's efforts in overcoming difficulties and achieving its strategic objectives.

The implications of "人民军队攻坚向前" are far-reaching, with significant political, societal, and economic consequences. Politically, the phrase emphasizes the military's role in addressing "prominent contradictions and problems that affect the long-term governance of the Party, the long-term peace and stability of the country, and the well-being of the people." It highlights the Party's resolve to maintain absolute control over the military and leverage it as a "strong force" to ensure national security and stability.

Societally, the phrase can foster national pride and reinforce a sense of collective purpose. The examples of the military's involvement in disaster relief and poverty alleviation efforts highlight their role as protectors and contributors to societal well-being. Economically, the push for a "world-class military" necessitates significant investment in defense technology, research, and development, driving industrial upgrading and innovation.

Overall, "人民军队攻坚向前" represents a holistic approach where military development is not confined to defense alone but is intricately linked to China's political stability, societal cohesion, and economic modernization. It signifies a determined effort to overcome significant challenges, both internal and external, to achieve the nation's strategic goals and enhance its global standing.

The closest translation of the phrase is "The People's Army presses on courageously" or "The People's Army overcomes difficulties and moves forward," reflecting the spirit of perseverance and innovation that is at the heart of the PLA's identity.