The PLA’s international relief operations amid regional and global disease outbreaks—with reference to the Ebola and COVID-19 cases

Abstract

This article examines the international public health relief operations of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to understand the dynamics between Chinese civil–military relations and Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW). By analyzing the PLA’s response to epidemics and pandemics, such as Ebola and Covid-19, we find that the PLA, under the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), operates to enhance the party’s domestic and international reputation. Through an increasing number of international outreach efforts during Xi Jinping’s administration, the PLA has showcased its global capabilities to domestic audiences and promoted China’s benevolent image to host countries across the developing world.