A group of think-tank members under President Jiang Zemin has proposed some senior military positions be filled by civilians.
Chinese sources in Beijing said yesterday the limited 'civilianisation' of the PLA leadership was in line with Mr Jiang's order that institutional reforms for the army be completed by 2002.
According to one suggestion, the largely ceremonial Ministry of National Defence should be given more powers and several senior ministry positions should be 'reserved' for civilians.
'A Jiang adviser has raised the slogan that 'the scientific, professional and intellectual levels of PLA officers should be raised',' a Beijing source said.
'The adviser has argued that filling some senior PLA posts with qualified civilians will help meet that goal.' The source said the adviser and other think-tank members had told Mr Jiang, also Chairman of the Central Military Commission, the proposal would promote his long-standing instruction that the PLA must follow the 'absolute leadership' of the Communist Party.
Partial 'civilianisation' might improve the PLA's image abroad, they said.
It is understood, however, that Mr Jiang would consider the views of the top brass before giving his support to the proposal.
