What's happened
China's President Xi Jinping has ordered the restructuring of the military, disbanding the Strategic Support Force and creating the Information Support Force to enhance cyber, space, and electronic warfare capabilities. The move comes amid ongoing tensions with rebel groups in Myanmar and a focus on developing new combat technologies.
Why it matters
President Xi Jinping's reorganization of China's military forces is significant as it reflects a strategic shift towards modernizing and enhancing capabilities in cyber and space warfare. The creation of the Information Support Force and emphasis on emerging technologies like AI demonstrate China's commitment to staying competitive in the evolving landscape of military operations.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post highlights the inauguration of the Information Support Force and its role in coordinating network information systems, while The Japan Times focuses on the termination of the Strategic Support Force and the creation of the Information Support Force under Xi Jinping's orders.
How we got here
The restructuring of China's military forces under President Xi Jinping follows the establishment of the Strategic Support Force in 2015 to bolster cyber, space, and electronic warfare capabilities. Tensions with rebel groups in Myanmar have also prompted military exercises along the border, emphasizing the need for readiness and modernization.
More on these topics
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Xi Jinping is a Chinese politician serving as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China, president of the People's Republic of China, and chairman of the Central Military Commission.
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The People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force is the space, cyber, and electronic warfare force and the 5th branch of China's People's Liberation Army. It was established in December 2015 as part of the first wave of the Chinese military reforms.