China releases military White Paper.

In a recent, unprecedented move, China publically released a military White Paper detailing its military structure and size (BBC, April 16, 2013).  “The army has a total of 850,000 soldiers, while the navy and air force have a strength of 235,000 and 398,000,” for a total of more than 1.4 million soldiers (ibid.).

Its navy operates three distinct fleets, while the second artillery force controls both conventional and nuclear missiles.  China’s military budget rose by more than 11 percent last year (ibid.).  China currently has 350 million men eligible for military service. 

Bible end-time prophecy tells of a 200-million-man army from the East that will eventually converge on Jerusalem and devastate the armies of the European Beast power (Daniel 11:44; Joel 2:2; Revelation 9:13-20).  As we approach the end of the age, it is important to continue watching the military build-up in China, and also increasing alliances between nations of the East.  South Korea and Japan also have growing militaries.  And, despite the tyrannical leadership in North Korea and its consequent national poverty, the nation itself possesses significant military hardware and forces.  The prophetic puzzle for the Kings of the East is cooperating and preparing for a time when God will use them to complete His long-prophesied plan. 

For more on this topic, read our revealing booklet, Revelation: The Mystery Unveiled!