I dont believe these so called 'white paper' numbers of PLA size.
news about china trimming down the PLA size existed since 2009. this white paper is not news at all..
China to downsize PLA by 7,00,000
October 2009
Volume:
10
Issue:
1
Missiles, Space, Nuclear and Defence Review
International Defence Issues
Reports noted that China is planning to cut down the strength of the PLA by nearly 7,00,000 within the next 2-3 years to enable the country to “modernise its military capabilities.” Presently, PLA strength is around 2.185 million, with the army alone accounting for 1.6 million. Besides, China’s reserves and paramilitary forces constitute a further 1.5 million. Between 1985 and 2003, China reduced PLA strength by 1.7 million.1
1. Trefor Moss, “PLA cuts manpower to modernize capabilities,” Jane’s Defence Weekly, October 9, 2009
By Benjamin Kang Lim and Lucy Hornby
BEIJING | Wed Sep 30, 2009 6:17am EDT
(Reuters) - China plans to cut back its army and boost the navy and air force, sources with ties to the People's Liberation Army said, extending its military reach and risking greater regional tensions.
China, which celebrates the 60th founding of the People's Republic on Thursday with a massive military parade, aims to cut its army by 700,000 troops over two to three years as part of its drive to modernize the world's biggest military into a leaner high-tech force, the two sources said.
EXCLUSIVE: China air, naval boost risks raising tension | Reuters