Three senior lecturers from the PLA Air Force Early Warning Academy have called for a significant overhaul of English language teaching within the Chinese military. Their critique, published in the February issue of Military-to-Civilian in China, highlights deficiencies in current educational methodologies. They argue that the current curriculum is overly focused on vocabulary, grammar, and reading, while neglecting essential speaking and presentation skills needed for effective international communication.

The lecturers, Li Yan, Dai Sishi, and Zhang Yong, emphasize that this lack of practical communication skills hampers military personnel's ability to engage successfully on the global stage. Despite being able to comprehend English military texts, they struggle with practical applications such as conversing fluently, writing tactical reports, or delivering presentations in English. This skill gap could affect China's military's operational readiness and its ability to collaborate with international partners.

The call for reform reflects a broader recognition within the Chinese military of the importance of adaptability and effective communication skills in modern military operations. As global engagement increases, the ability to communicate effectively in English could play a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing China's strategic interests and partnerships, making these proposed changes not only relevant but necessary for future military effectiveness.