“The first is institutional. The PLA faces shortcomings stemming from outdated command structures, quality of personnel, professionalism, and corruption. The second set of weaknesses centers on combat capabilities. These shortcomings include logistical weaknesses, insufficient strategic airlift capabilities, limited numbers of special-mission aircraft, and deficiencies in fleet air defense and antisubmarine warfare.”

Those weaknesses may mean that the PLA wouldn’t be able to execute key missions the Chinese leadership has set for it, such as “various Taiwan contingencies, maritime claim missions, sea line of communication protection, and some military operations other than war scenarios.” You can translate much of that into an inability of the PLA to lay claim to and to patrol the Senkaku Islands, the Spratlys and other contested lands and waters.

Among the Peoples Liberation Army’s most prominent weaknesses are those that most analysts believe are America’s greatest strengths: its command structure and the quality, education and training of its people, the RAND report says. The Chinese continue to struggle mightily, as did the United States, with its ability to wage joint warfare, with a clear line of command and relatively effective integration of weapons and troops.