China Amends National Defense Law Allowing Mobilization of Civilian Resources During Wartime
News Summary
Reviewed editorially.
- China’s parliament has approved amendments to the National Defense Mobilization Law, enabling mobilization of civilian and private resources during war or crisis.
- The new law takes effect on October 1, with penalties and fines for those who refuse or delay compliance.
- The law requires sectors such as transportation, healthcare, cybersecurity, food supply, and technology to be prepared for national defense responsibilities.
16 Bhadra, Kathmandu – China has enacted significant amendments to its National Defense Law. During wartime or major crises, the government will no longer rely solely on the military but can utilize resources from civilians, private companies, and other national assets as necessary.
On August 28, China’s National People’s Congress approved these revisions to the National Defense Mobilization Law. The new law will come into effect on October 1.
The amendments not only allow requisitioning of resources but also place them firmly under government control. Those who disobey orders or intentionally delay compliance will face punishments and fines.
A Major Change After 16 Years
The original National Defense Mobilization Law was enacted in 2010 and this is its first major revision. The updated law contains 14 chapters and 82 articles.
According to China, the main goal is to enable rapid transformation from peacetime to wartime under any threat by incorporating economic and social power into defense efforts.
The law guarantees protection of the country’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, security, and developmental interests.
Party Leadership Over Military and Civilian Resource Mobilization
According to Samantha Hoffman, an expert at the Jamestown Foundation, the law introduces changes concerning leadership, organization, reserve forces, conscription, storage of essential materials, and defense-related education.
Articles 3 and 17 place national defense mobilization under the direct control of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, whereas previously authority rested with the State Council and the Central Military Commission.
Hoffman notes that the Party can now collectively mobilize military, civilian, economic, and social resources to meet strategic goals as needed.
Hospitals, Internet, and Transportation Must Be Ready
Under the new law, sectors including transportation, postal services, telecommunications, cybersecurity, healthcare, pharmaceutical supplies, food and grain supply, and engineering must prepare to assume responsibilities related to national defense.
Units within these sectors will form specialized teams and undergo training to respond immediately when required.
Cybersecurity is specifically emphasized, with provisions to enhance defense capabilities through new technologies.
The law also provides for building reserve forces, strengthening conscription systems, and increasing strategic stockpiles of essential materials.
Development Now Considered Part of National Security
While the 2010 law permitted defense mobilization in response to threats against sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and security, the new law also includes development interests.
This means China now considers threats not only in terms of border security or national safety but also its economy, resources, overseas Chinese assets, and technological advancement under the umbrella of national security.
Hoffman links this change to the 2020 revision of China’s national defense law, which allowed for defense mobilization when development interests are threatened.
Is China Preparing for War?
The new law has prompted questions about whether China is truly preparing for war, with experts divided on the issue.
Theresa Fallon, director of the Centre for Russia Europe Asia Studies in Brussels, expressed concerns over the growing risk of conflict worldwide, suggesting that crises such as the U.S. military tensions, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Israel-U.S. conflict involving Iran might be pressuring Chinese President Xi Jinping toward a war mindset.
However, Lyle Morris of the Asia Society Policy Institute cautions against viewing this as sudden preparation, noting that China has long been gearing up in this manner.
The law indicates that China is not just preparing its military but seeking to integrate civilians, companies, critical services, technology, and data as components of war readiness.
Experts predict Taiwan and the United States could be China’s main military competitors in the future.
(From agencies)
