China’s Central Military Commission (CMC) conducted a meeting from Nov. 24-26 to map out a plan to deepen reform in the military. Zhang Junshe, a military expert, told China Daily in an interview how the reform move should be interpreted.
Zhang said that the CMC military reform aims to strengthen the military's capability to meet the demands of the changing global situations. He added that commanders should be able to respond to situations and make decisions quickly as wars in the future will be high-tech, with information technology playing the key role. Some of the reform measures are aimed at improving military administration and joint operational command, and optimizing military structure.
The CMC will also abolish redundant administrative departments and non-fighting units to make the military more alert and agile, while providing more positions and personnel for actual combat troops.
According to the interview, a new PLA Army leading organization will be established to serve as a unified leading organization for ground forces and four departments that are in charge of its general staff, politics, logistical supply and equipment.
Zhang said that it will make the PLA more efficient and well-coordinated. It will also give the Central Commission organs more time to reorganize the whole military.
Zhang also spoke about a new disciplinary commission for the PLA which he said is more independent and authoritative to fight against corruption. He added that disciplinary inspectors will be sent to CMC departments and zone commands.
The reform will also advance the disciplinary commission's dual leading system, under which the disciplinary commission is responsible to both the same-level Party committee and the higher-level disciplinary commission, according to the CMC.
Under the reform plan, a new military politics and law committee will be set up with military justice system being adjusted to keep power in check.
The reform plan will also promote the development and integration of military and civil industries as a way to open military technologies for civilian use and provide enough channels for private enterprises to work with military industries.
The CMC also reiterated the restrictions on the PLA to run businesses as it will continue the reform with a total ban on the practice.