(Photo: South China Morning Post)HONG KONG — The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has been urged to overhaul English language teaching at its military schools and recruit professionals to improve soldiers' communication skills on the international stage. Li Yan, Dai Sishi and Zhang Yong, all associate professors from the military school, argued that English teaching in China's military schools was outdated and unbalanced. In contrast, many lecturers from the military lacked the necessary English language skills. The authors stressed that strong English communication skills were essential as the PLA expanded its global footprint. "English is the common language of communication in United Nations peacekeeping operations, multinational joint military exercises and international military academic forums," they wrote.

Source: Bangkok Post February 18, 2026 11:37 UTC