Commentary
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), we’re told, is building a military to invade Taiwan by the end of the decade. In recent times, however, this building process has hit a rather sizable stumbling block that could derail its plans of “unification” with its iron-willed neighbor.
The South China Morning Post’s Amber Wang recently discussed how a mental health crisis is weakening China’s military. Take China’s submarine force, for example. One in five male sailors, noted Wang, have experienced mental health problems (a vague description that can refer to just about anything, from eating disorders to suicidal ideation). In a desperate attempt to address the crisis, the People’s Liberation Army has introduced various counseling services and courses designed to equip troops with the tools necessary to cope with the stresses of physical combat. A brigade from the 73rd Group Army just launched online psychological services to assist officers and soldiers experiencing “fearful emotions” after participating in demanding field training exercises. As people are the “decisive factor in combat,” writes Wang, “mental stability is key to effectiveness.” Indeed. She’s 100 percent right….