China's military might (13 images)

The People's Liberation Army, the world's largest single military, consists of roughly three million members, 2.25 million of which are active. As it's economy has flourished, so has its military, with spending increasing by about 10 percent annually over the past 15 years. Though there are concerns over the size, scope and continually-improving technology of the PLA, the most recent of which were sparked by the official confirmation of the imminent completion of its first aircraft carrier, it's important to note the U.S. military budget is still seven times the size of China's.

Chinese paramilitary soldiers drill outside an Outback Steakhouse in Beijing on May 13, 2010. China ordered local governments to tighten security around public areas, schools and kindergartens, particularly in rural areas, after a series of attacks over two months left more than a dozen students dead. UPI/Stephen Shaver

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A Chinese paramilitary police do martial arts exercises in their Forbidden City compound, in Beijing, on June 18, 2006. (UPI Photo/Stephen Shaver)

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Soldiers of the Third Guard Division of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), which is tasked with anti-terrorism and anti-aircraft duties, take part in combat drills north of Beijing on July 28, 2009. China's capital gave a rare tour of a PLA division Tuesday. China has long been secretive about its military strength and capacity, drawing criticism from other countries wary of the Asian giant's growing power and skyrocketing military spending. (UPI Photo/Stephen Shaver)

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Chinese soldiers participate in a massive military parade celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of Communist China, in Beijing October 1, 2009. UPI/Stephen Shaver

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