Page 529 - Le Operazioni Interforze e Multinazionali nella Storia Militare - ACTA Tomo I

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Second Period: From early 1960s to late 1970s
Since early 1960s, due to the significant changes in international situation as well as
China’s peripheral security environment, PLA shifted its focus to preparing against a
general war with the application of nuclear weapons and new-type weaponry and equip-
ments. In the early 1970s, to prevent large-scale all-out aggression in the nuclear con-
text, PLA focused more on tactics of anti-tank, anti-tank and anti-airborne actions, and
developed methods to conduct combined armed operations in NBC context. The Second
Generation Combat Operation issued in 1979 registered completion of combined opera-
tion theory under the nuclear condition.
Third Period: from late 1970s to mid 1980s
The world was still dominated by two blocks competing for hegemony from the end
of 1970s to mid 1980s, and China was facing the real threats posted by heavy Soviet
Union’s troops deployed along the borders. In the autumn of 1981, PLA carried out a
large scale combined military exercise in North China which promoted and enhanced
the combined operation capability. The Falkland War in 1982 further galvanized the in-
terests and efforts of PLA in study on local wars and armed conflicts in the new situation.
Fourth Period: from mid 1980s to early 1990s.
In mid 1980s, there were signs of easing confrontations between SU and USA and
significant changes were taking place in international security situation. PLA’s main task
shifted from fighting a nuclear war to peacetime modernization building, and the focal
point of PLA combined operation study also shifted from all-out wars to regional wars.

In 1987, PLA released its third general combat doctrine. Based upon in-depth stud-
ies on the implication of new technology on armaments development and consequential
impact upon tactics, PLA made necessary revisions on the basic principles of combined
operation. In 1986 and 1988, PLA Department of General Staff held two PLA-wide
operational theory seminars, discussing theoretical issues related with basic ideas, prin-
ciples and tactics for conducting future anti-aggression war, as well as coordination
of various arms and services, and logistic support. A core operation concept, “overall
operation, and focal strike” was put forward after the two seminars, which marked the
theory and practice of PLA combined operation entering a new level.

Part Two Basic principles and methods for PLA combined operations
PLA created and developed principles and methods for combined operation during
decades of military struggles, and the essence of those principles and methods was in-
cluded in the operation doctrines issued at different periods. Though the contents of those
doctrines may differ from one another due to changed historical contexts and operation
targets, the common principles remain relative consistent and are followed by PLA.

A. Concentration of strength on principle directions
Concentration of strength refers to establish and maintain absolute superiority over
the opponent within at a specific time frame and space, in order to win by fighting few