India, Feb. 17 -- In the vast deserts of western China, a network of concrete missile silos stretches across the horizon-symbols of Beijing's strategic ambitions. These structures are meant to house some of China's most advanced nuclear weapons. Yet, according to multiple reports, the lids on these silos malfunction, rendering them ineffective in a crisis. In other cases, missiles that should have been armed with high-powered fuel were instead found to be filled with water.

Such lapses are not the result of technical failures but of something more insidious: corruption.

For years, China has sought to transform the People's Liberation Army (PLA) into a world-class military force capable of challenging the United States and its allies. Bu...