China orders the military to forge stronger ties with the public
- A new provision to come into effect on Sunday lays out the tasks to improve and support the relationship
- Close links with the public have been key to the military’s success in the past, analyst says
Fostering ties with the public has long been an official priority for the People’s Liberation Army but military regulations have in the past focused on the spirit of the relationship rather than the specifics of those links.
According to state news agency Xinhua, the “Provision for the Military on Works with the Chinese People” defines the “status, guiding principles and basic tasks” of the process, laying out key points and the regulatory requirements for the military.
It defines changes to the military structure, overall responsibilities, ways to improve logistical support for personnel and funding, and the need to promote standardised work procedures.
“The provision … centres on building a flesh-and-blood relationship between the Chinese military and the Chinese people, improving the basis for the military to win wars, and consolidating and developing unity between the two sides,” the Xinhua report said.
The provision, released by the Central Military Commission, will take effect from August 1, the anniversary of the founding of the PLA.
01:05
Philippine coast guard confronts Chinese maritime ‘militia’ vessels in South China Sea
Song Zhongping, a former PLA instructor and now a military commentator, said strong ties with the public had been key to the military’s success in combat in the past, including the second Sino-Japanese war, which ended in 1945.
“A military’s combat strength lies not only in having advanced weapons, but also in the strong bond with and massive support from the people,” Song said.
Song said this “people’s war” tactic was still in use today on various fronts, such as in disputed waters.
“People at the grass roots, such as China’s fishing militia, are playing an important role in safeguarding national security, and this is a prime example of why the military has to build good ties with the people,” he said.
01:24
China ends fishing ban in South China Sea, raising fear of potential conflicts among fishermen
Hong Kong based military analyst Leung Kwok-leung said a strong relationship with the public was a key weapon in the military’s arsenal but it evolved over time.
“Society is always changing, so the military-civilian relationship cannot remain unchanged. Despite the changes, the purpose is always to strengthen the friendly relationship,” Leung said.
China has one of the world’s biggest militias, with about 8 million civilians who can be mobilised for military service.
