What kind of war could China face?
The white paper says:
“The basic point for military preparation will be placed on winning digitalized local wars.”
Yan Wenhu (research fellow with the Academy’s defense policy research center):
The basic point in preparation for military struggle (PMS) has shifted from “winning local wars in digital conditions” to “winning digitalized local wars”, which represents a qualitative leap in the military’s vision. A new military revolution is gaining momentum; military equipment has evolved in the direction of remote precision, intelligence, invisible and unmanned technologies. Space and cyberspace are becoming the competitive high ground for all countries. The winning mechanism has changed, so will China’s PMS.
China Armed Forces:
An army cannot possibly win digitalized warfare with a mechanized warfare mindset.
How is the army preparing for military struggle?
The white paper says:
“Enhancing capabilities for system-versus-system operations based on information systems”;
“Pushing ahead with PMS in all directions and domains”;
“Maintaining constant combat readiness”;
“Enhancing realistic military training”;
“Preparing for military operations other than war”.
Yu Miao:
Sound PMS is fundamental to implementing the strategy of active defense in new circumstances. Preparation for war, capabilities for war and the determination to not shy from war are the only way to prevent and stop war, as well as to hold the initiative. A strong capability in system-versus-system operations based on digital systems is the embodiment of combat effectiveness in today’s digitalized warfare, and is also the emphasis point for PMS.
China Armed Forces:
“Don’t take a chance on enemies not coming, but fully prepare for defense.” “If war should come tomorrow…” These terms are normal thinking for Chinese soldiers.
Why should China’s armed forces go out?
The white paper says:
“China’s armed forces will strengthen international security cooperation in areas crucially related to China’s overseas interests, to ensure the security of such interests.”
Li Yu (research fellow with the Academy’s defense policy research center):
China, for the first time in the defense white paper, raised the concept of “areas crucially related to China’s overseas interests”. This shows that with the expansion of national interests, China has lifted protection of overseas interests to a national military strategy level. This is necessary to guarantee national sustainable growth in a time of globalization, and will benefit regional and world stability.
China Armed Forces:
Figures from the Ministry of Commerce may explain the new concept -- in the first four months of 2015, Chinese investors have made direct investment in 2,884 overseas enterprises in 146 countries and regions.
How will the PLA strengthen international security cooperation?
The white paper says:
“China’s armed forces will gradually intensify their participation in operations such as international peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance, and do their utmost to shoulder more international responsibilities and obligations, provide more public security materials, and contribute more to world peace and common development.”
Shi Qingren (research fellow with the Academy’s military strategy department):
International security cooperation and extension of military cooperation has become an important part of China’s military strategy. With the rise of its comprehensive national power, China’s armed forces will definitely contribute more to global security, and act as a responsible great power.
China Armed Forces:
The Chinese army has made contributions to public security globally through escort missions in the Gulf of Aden, fight against Ebola in West Africa, and rescue operations in quake-hit Nepal. With more military cooperation with other countries, China is increasingly integrated into the international community.
