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A high official from the People's Liberation Army, China's military force and the largest in the world, expressed his support for Chinese President Xi Jinping's order of bolstering the military under rule of law.
On Nov. 4, People's Daily, the government's official newspaper, published an article by Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Xu Qiliang talking about reinforcing the military through law.
Xu wrote that the law guarantees the establishment of firm military forces. China's armed forces are always faced with constantly altered situations in the country's security, and they carry the responsibility of preserving China's security, sovereignty and its interests.
An army with complete discipline under the firm guidance of the law is a step toward the Chinese Dream, Xu wrote.
Chinese officials discussed about the comprehensive advancement of rule of law, including the legal system setup of PLA, during the 18th CPC Central Committee's Fourth Plenary Session in October.
Military officers were instructed by President Xi Jinping, Central Military Commission's chairman, to govern the PLA under the law and with the highest discipline.
According to Xu, the Chinese armed forces are known for their enforcement of firm discipline, but the PLA is not yet near in attaining comprehensive rule of law.
Xu cited examples of high-ranking officials who damaged the PLA and the Party's image, such Gu Junshan and Xu Caihou. The two were previously senior generals in the PLA, but were indicted for violating the law.
The vice chairman said that high-tech advancements are not enough to establish a strong military force; the army should also be informed of the policies and the law.
Furthermore, Xu mentioned that the PLA needs to firmly adhere to the guidance of the Party.
Xu called for improvements in the PLA's efforts in enacting the law and enforcing discipline in order to establish a successful legal order in the military.
