China's troop-cut plan is more about modernization than peace, analysts say

Soldiers march in China's parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. President Xi Jinping announced that China will reduce its military by 300,000 troops. (Andy Wong / Pool Photo)President Xi Jinping's announcement Thursday that China will cut its military by 300,000 troops was couched in the language of peace. Yet analysts say that it was intended as a move to modernize and strengthen, not diminish, the country's armed forces.

"War is the sword of Damocles that still hangs over mankind," Xi said in a speech at Tiananmen Square commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in the Pacific. "We must learn the lessons of history and dedicate ourselves to…