China planning to step up use of civilian know-how under drive to make military a modern fighting force
- The country’s latest five-year plan includes pledges to encourage the private sector to work with the defence industry to improve the PLA’s capabilities
- The drive to modernise the military has already seen it develop a number of cutting-edge weapons systems as it seeks to match the United States
China is set to step up its plans to integrate civilian and military technology under its drive to modernise the armed forces, according to the latest five-year plan.
The development plan, which was unveiled at this month’s meeting of the National People’s Congress, includes pledges to increase programmes to upgrade its weapons systems, improve its joint combat capabilities and encourage private enterprises to work with the defence industry.
The drive to integrate civilian and military technology has already caused concern in the United States and other countries, but military analysts and insiders said Beijing still plans to up the pace.
Beijing-based military affairs commentator Zhou Chenming said such integration was needed as China had developed many advanced weapons over the previous five years, but needed to train members of the People’s Liberation Army to use them effectively.
“Now the PLA has so many new toys, but they don’t have enough qualified people and talent to command and manage the weapons,” Zhou said.