Web seen as tool to 'mobilise the people in a time of war'

Beijing was exploring the use of technologies such as the internet to mobilise the population in times of war, according to an official army publication.

A commentary carried by the National Defence Daily yesterday called for the use of new methods to mobilise public support in times of military conflict.

It said the central government should resort to all communications and telecommunications networks at its disposal, including the internet, radio broadcasts, television and the press, to promote the concepts of 'resisting invasion' and protecting sovereign and territorial integrity to the public to 'provide inexhaustible political capital for winning future wars'.

It should instil a sense of patriotism and an awareness of the need to defend the country, even in peacetime. This would bring 'the thoughts of the people in line with the will of the country' during a war, it said.

It is a rare for the military to elaborate on the sensitive subject of political mobilisation.

A high-powered command organisation specialised in public mobilisation for wars should be set up, the commentary said, and a professional team should be formed to ensure the government's capability to mobilise the public to support the mainland's cause for wars.