China revises defense mobilization law to boost security, modernize capabilities

China's top legislature voted on Friday to adopt the newly revised National Defense Mobilization Law, aimed at better aligning the country's mobilization system with modern national security and defense needs. The law will take effect on Oct 1.

Consisting of 14 chapters and 82 articles, the revised law was approved during the 24th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress.

It clarifies the functions and responsibilities of military and civilian authorities in national defense mobilization under the new system. It also improves the national defense mobilization system to better meet national defense and security needs, coordinate with economic and social development, and connect with emergency response mechanisms.

The revisions cover a wide range of areas, including general principles, organizational leadership bodies and their powers, national defense mobilization planning, the reserve and mobilization of personnel for the armed forces, military research and the requisition and expropriation of civilian resources and compensation.

The law further clarifies the concept of national defense mobilization, defining it as "activities in which the State, in response to threats to national sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, security and development interests, takes necessary measures in accordance with the law to ensure a rapid transition between peacetime and wartime and convert economic and social strength into national defense capabilities".

According to relevant officials, the revised law responds to evolving trends in warfare by coordinating institutional development, resource allocation and the employment of forces. It also makes arrangements for national defense mobilization in key and emerging areas, helps convert economic and social strength into national defense capabilities and enhances mobilization support for combat readiness and warfighting.

The revised law adds a specific provision stipulating that "the State promotes the application of advanced technologies in national defense mobilization and develops national defense mobilization capabilities in emerging fields".

Looking ahead, officials said efforts will focus on ensuring strict compliance and establishing supporting regulatory systems.

This is the first update of the National Defense Mobilization Law, which was adopted at the 13th session of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People's Congress in February 2010 and took effect on July 1, 2010.