China needs strengthened army, though it seeks no hegemony BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Eighty-six years since its foundation, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) has become a relatively modern power. Although China does not intend to seek hegemony, it needs a stronger army to safeguard its development.

Thursday marks the 86th anniversary of the establishment of the PLA. From Aug. 1, 1927, the army has experienced revolutionary and warring years, and a number of conflicts with China's neighbors after 1949.

With the present 2.3 million personnel, the PLA has risen from rags to a strong power corresponding to the country's more than three decades of economic boom times.

It is now equipped with a newly-commissioned aircraft carrier, while other advanced weaponry, including a J-20 stealth fighter jet and large military transport aircraft, are in development.

The increased military power of the PLA has stirred up unease among some of China's neighboring countries and the traditional power -- the United States.

However, in an important period of strategic opportunities, China still needs a stronger military to safeguard its security and ever-increasing national interests, so as to help the country achieve modernization.

In a commentary published on Thursday, the PLA Daily said national defense and the building of the army is at a new starting point, facing precious opportunities and a complicated domestic and exterior security environment as well.

Since the reform and opening up policy in the late 1970s, China has stopped being a closed country. Instead, its economic and cultural engagement in the world has resulted in an expansion of its interests overseas, not to mention some countries' illegal claims over China's territories.