Last week and over the week, China held its “two sessions” — the annual meetings of the National People’s Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
Although not many remarkable discussions about national defense were immediately evident, some points of interest have emerged from the information that has been officially released.
First, many of the documents reiterate the importance of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This is often linked with China’s emphasis that the military must “follow the party, fight to win and forge exemplary conduct.”
Evidently, the longstanding slogan of “the party commands the gun” is still firmly entrenched. If that is the main consideration when appointing personnel, could it not lead to officials prioritizing “redness” over expertise, which could result in amateurs leading professionals?
On top of restating the importance of the CCP, reports delivered during the “two sessions” also highlighted the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) “outstanding” completion of tasks and missions over the past year. The main purpose of this is probably to “reaffirm” Chinese President Xi Jinping’s (習近平) unprecedented third term in office.
Regarding military expenditures, aside from the costs of equipment, drills and logistics, the PLA has also been paying close attention to its troops’ wages and conditions. This might have something to do with the weak state of China’s economy.
When the overall economy is in trouble, increased defense spending covers the cost of maintaining military personnel’s pay and conditions, which would help with recruitment, despite the country’s falling birthrate.
As in the past, the “two sessions” stressed the development of relations between the military and civilians. Officials discussed building military bases, boosting the armed forces’ ability to mobilize “new-domain forces with new combat capabilities” and the defense technology industrial complex.
Compared with China’s previous emphasis on “military-civilian fusion,” the CCP is now even more eager to “find military potential in civilian capabilities,” which means using civilian talent and capital along with military-civilian dual-use construction to develop its national defense.
With regard to international attitudes, at last month’s Singapore Airshow, China’s strategic desire to become a major power was on clear display.
China showcased its weaponry and demonstrated that it has branched out into flight simulation systems and navigation control devices. It was even offering flight training courses. Along with selling military hardware, it promoted its defense wares through integrated packages that include software and personnel training.
Another thing that was noticeable at the show was other nations’ wariness of Chinese media and exhibitors.
The clearest example was when some Chinese attendees wanted to get a closer view of a German Air Force Airbus military transport aircraft, but were denied entry by a German crew member. Furthermore, questions asked by Chinese representatives were all skillfully deflected. This is indicative of various countries’ current attitudes.
Although China is gradually moving away from its previous “wolf warrior” style of diplomacy, many countries still see it as posing some kind of threat. This will be a thorny problem for China as it grows into a major military power.
Lin Ying-yu is an assistant professor in Tamkang University’s Graduate Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies.
Translated by Julian Clegg
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