That means the PLA will be loath to jump into costly military adventures and will avoid direct confrontation with major foreign powers. But the implication is that the military could become an active domestic player as it was during crucial periods such as the 1966-76 Cultural Revolution, when it stepped in to restore order in society.
"In case of large-scale social unrest, the military would have to be called in," said You.
Nonetheless, the army would be extremely reluctant to engage too openly in politics after its reputation received a mortal blow over its role in the bloody 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.
"The military will be the last resort for such circumstances," You said.
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