China amends defence mobilisation law for first time in 16 years

China has amended its national defence mobilisation law for the first time in 16 years, introducing provisions aimed at incorporating advanced technologies and civilian capabilities into wartime preparations.

The revised law, approved by the country’s top legislature on August 28, calls for the use of advanced technologies in national defence mobilisation and the development of mobilisation forces in emerging fields, Caliber.Az reports, citing Chinese media.

Although the amendment does not specify the technologies covered, analysts say the new provisions are likely to encompass artificial intelligence, drones, cyberspace, biotechnology, quantum technology, maritime and space systems, as well as electromagnetic and navigation technologies.

Beijing-based military law expert Xie Dan made clear that the changes would also cover companies and specialised professionals working in these areas. The revised law is due to take effect on October 1.

“The Russia-Ukraine conflict further validates the critical role of unmanned, intelligent and cyber technologies in modern warfare, reinforcing the necessity of this legislation,” Xie noted.

He added that the revision would allow China to bring more civilian technology companies and specialists into its defence mobilisation system.

“In peacetime, these capabilities serve economic and social development; in wartime, they can be rapidly reassigned to provide operational support,” he stressed.

For the first time, the law formally defines national defence mobilisation as activities that “guarantee a rapid transition from peacetime to wartime and transform economic and social capabilities into national defence strength”.

The revised legislation also expands the circumstances under which it can be enforced. It states that mobilisation measures can be activated when China’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, security and development interests are “under direct threat”.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov