to restore discipline in the ranks. The People’s Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) set up a Ground Forces Command in 2015 to enhance capabilities in precision operations, multi-dimensional operations, full-spectrum operations, multi-function operations and sustainment operations. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has shifted its operational mode to maritime operations that combine the defense of coastal waters and guarding offshore areas, and is working to improve its capabilities for strategic deterrence, counterattacks, maritime mobile operations, joint maritime operations and integrated defense operations. The Chinese Navy is deploying four nuclear ballistic missile submarines loaded with JL missiles21) with a minimum range of 8,000 km and 870 surface and underwater vessels. It also has field deployed the Liaoning, an aircraft carrier with a flight deck capable of carrying some twenty J-15 fighter jets, and is currently developing several aircraft carriers. The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is building an aerospace defense force system in an effort to take its attack, defense, air, and aerospace capabilities to a new level, with a particular focus on strengthening its capacity for strategic early warning, air strikes, air and missile defense, air transportation operations, strategic lifting and integrated support. The PLAAF currently possesses close to 3,000 military aircraft, with Y-20 strategic lifters operationally fielded. After the recent test flight of the J-20 prototype the J-20, the actual J-31 was also unveiled. The Rocket Force, formerly the Second Artillery Corps (strategic missile unit), is deploying some 500 ballistic missiles, including the DF-31A with a maximum range of 8,000km and the DF-5B with a range of 15,000km. Moreover, the DF-41, a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), is said to be under development. China is also heavily investing in satellite communications, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, satellite-based navigation, meteorology, and space exploration in pursuit of becoming a space powerhouse. In 2016, China successfully completed the launches of the carrier rockets, Long March/Changzheng 7 and 5. The launch of the Chang’e 4, the lunar exploration spacecraft, is scheduled for 2018. | Russia | According to the fourth 2014 ‘Military Doctrine’ and the revised 2015 ‘National Security Strategy,’ Russia’s current strategy is centered on ‘proactive defense through strong military power,’ and is executing a bold defense reform initiative focused on reorganizing the military structure and capacity, raising the salaries of servicemen, and overhauling the military housing system. 21) Ju Lang. Section 2 Security environment of Northeast asia 19 Chapter 1 a sweeping military reshuffle occurred, with an anti-corruption campaign currently underway