Abstract: As one of the founders of the armed forces, Ye Jianying was not only a great revolutionist, but also an outstanding military theorist, who had taken important posts for several times and made great contribution to founding, developing and strengthening the people’s army. After long time military practice, Ye Jianying had formed rich thought of modernization of the armed forces, as correctly handling relationship between enriching the country and strengthening the armed forces, sticking to the principle of strengthening the armed forces scientifically, paying attention to keeping the nature of the armed forces, stressing coordinated development among all the services and arms, and implementing concept of people oriented in directing armed forces. At present, re-studying Ye Jinaying’s thought about modernization of the armed forces is with important value and enlightenment to constructing a modernized people’s army.

Key words: Ye Jianying, modernization of the armed forces, strengthening the armed forces scientifically, thought