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The quality of the PAP force is an issue which has been high on the leaders' agenda following the 1996 reshuffle. When they were appointed, Commander Yang Guoping and Political Commissar Xu Yongqing strongly urged high- and middle-ranking cadres to place ideology and political construction as a priority in their efforts to improve the educational level and the management of the troops. As reported, the troops also want to improve their quality by attaining higher levels of education. In the Guangdong General Unit, more than 90 per cent of the cadres have at least a senior high school diploma, and over 30 per cent of them a college degree. Though these achievements may be modest, the unit is proud of them and considers itself a PAP general unit which highly regards "the cultural level of its cadres." Such an admission may lead one to think that it is not the case everywhere.

If cadres can be said to be better educated, this is not the case for the majority of PAP soldiers. Most of them join the force between 16 and 18 years of age, and there have even been some cases of soldiers being under 14. At the time of conscription, they were junior high school students, who often came from the countryside and joined the PAP with the hope of gaining social status, including Party membership. A new feature of the new recruits is the increasing number coming from one-child families. As the Political Commissar of the Hunan General Unit complained, much has to be done "to develop their sense of responsibility and honor, their ability to endure hardships and their spirit of selflessness."

The low quality of the PAP troops was a common complaint by PAP officers during the 1996 NPC session, at the time of the reshuffling. A report of the Hong Kong Dagong Daily relayed the complaints of some PAP generals. All stressed how the "many temptations of society" made it difficult for them to lead their troops properly. Low wages, the "complex nature" of the PAP and the inadequacies of the traditional political education were decried. The situation may have improved in the last two years but managerial and personnel problems continue to exist which make it difficult for the PAP to become a regular police force of high standards.

In the 1980s, the PLA's military goal was to win a "high-tech regional war." Thus the PAP's role in the control of internal security became all the more important. With better transportation networks and better equipment, the PAP is now able to answer more calls rapidly and with a smaller number of men. Therefore, it seems unlikely that the PAP's total force could continue to grow as some have predicted.

Recent political, economic and social evolutions have certainly benefited the PAP in its development. The Chinese government needs a force ready to deal with any kind of domestic turbulence at any moment. In that regard, the PAP is still called to play an important role. It can also help the Chinese police to become more efficient and better organized. A likely evolution could be that a greater emphasis will be placed on the "Police" role of this military body. This may be what is most needed at present.