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From defence restructuring to downsizing troops, why is China focusing on military reforms

Ruchi Kumar | Updated on: 14 February 2017, 5:34 IST
QUICK PILL
  • China reorganises military zones to five \"theatre commands\" as opposed to the earlier seven, as part of reforms.
  • Earlier, they had downsized troops, shut military newspapers, set up new defence forces focusing on not just military strategy, but also communication and information capabilities.
  • While the Chinese Defence Ministry has reiterated its commitment to peace, the reforms are seen as an attempt to consolidate power in the region, especially against the growing influence of US.

Earlier this week, China's President Xi Jinping announced the reorganisation of China's military into five battle zones, known as "theater commands" as part of its ongoing efforts to reform the nation's military. Earlier, the length and breadth of the nation were divided into seven battle zones.

"Each zone has the responsibility of acting on security threats, upholding peace and constraining conflict of their respective regions," Jinping said in an official statement.

The reforms, that began at some point in 2015, have so far seen a major restructuring of the defence hierarchy and downsizing the People's Liberation Army (PLA) by 3,00,000 troops. Plans for setting up of new joint commands by 2020 were also made. The PLA also shares a joint staff with the Central Military Commission (CMC )- the country's highest military body.

A general command unit was also set up in 2015, along with the PLA Ground Forces, PLA Rocket Forces. A Strategic Support Force (SSF) has also been set up, with the aim of winning "local wars under informationised conditions", by which they presumably mean capacity towards space and cyber intelligence and combat.

What do the reforms imply?

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File Photo

China's defence ministry has assured that all reforms and reorganisation will not impact the country's commitment towards peace. "Our defence policy, which is non-offensive in nature, remains unchanged," spokesman for the National Defense Ministry had stated in 2015.

However, during the inauguration of the new battle zones, Jinping instructed that all the theatre commands should always be prepared for war. Statements issued over the last few months by their defence ministry identify a pertinent mistrust of US activities in the region.

China has also been seen to have increased investments in its naval forces, more specifically in submarines and aircraft carriers. Analysts view the reforms as China's effort to reassert its power in the region, especially against the growing US influence in the South China Sea.

Another highlight among the reforms is the SSF that is directed towards "local wars". China's increased efforts towards upgrading communication capacities also indicate their focus on information war.

Interestingly, China has also shut down defence newspapers that were associated with the seven older battle zones.

These were the original mouthpieces for the military commands, but now seem to have been overtaken by the digital mediums including television and internet.

Some of them were established in the 1930s but have now been forced to shut operations, as part of the downsizing efforts of the military. And, the SSF, therefore, is seen crucial in China's defence strategies from here on.

"The US, on their part, already recognise them as a formidable force. "Should the proposed reforms be successfully implemented, the PLA will emerge as a much more capable, lethal and externally oriented fighting force," a status report on the US rebalance to the Pacific by the Center for Strategic and International Studies stated. However, how they react to the new changes remains to be see. Whether they see them as confrontational or simply remain passive observers will greatly impact the security in the region."

First published: 3 February 2016, 5:55 IST
 
Ruchi Kumar @RuchiKumar

Ruchi Kumar is an Indian journalist living in Kabul with her cat Bukhari. On most days, she reports on the ongoings in the region. Rest of the time, she reads, writes and wanders around Kabul looking for people who will tell stories.