The South China Morning Post (July 7) disclosed that according to draft regulatory changes released by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs on the weekend China had finalised wartime conscription plans. According to the paper, this accords top priority to conscripting retired Chinese military personnel in wartime. Under the regulations, the State Council or the Central Military Commission would issue mobilisation orders and hand responsibility for drafting soldiers to government and military agencies at various levels. Military veterans would be a target group and could rejoin their original unit or be posted to a similar position elsewhere. The regulations said, “During wartime, the transport department and workers shall give priority to enlisted soldiers; other organisations and personnel should also help them.” The draft regulations were posted on the Ministry of Veterans Affairs official WeChat account on July 4 for public feedback. The last revisions were made in 2001 and the regulations were first introduced in 1985. Besides wartime enlistment, the draft also covers the creation of an inter-ministerial system for conscription, and efforts to institutionalise the process as part of China’s digital government build-up. Song Zhongping, a former People’s Liberation Army instructor, said revisions were needed to reflect broader changes in the world and to better prepare China for emergencies. He added “What’s more, the new section about enlisting soldiers during wartime can make the process more comprehensive. It fits the actual needs of China because enlisting veterans in the military can quickly boost troops’ ability if China fights a war.” In March, Xi Jinping said the Chinese military must be “prepared to respond” to complex and difficult situations as the country grappled with security challenges.
|
