Major changes made to China's military structure

 

Xi Jinping's recent overhaul of China's military structure marks the most significant restructuring in nearly a decade, reflecting a strategic shift towards technology-driven forces geared for modern warfare. Here are the key highlights:

Key Points:

1. Disbandment of the Strategic Support Force (SSF): Established in 2015 to integrate the PLA's space, cyber, electronic, and psychological warfare capabilities, the SSF has been replaced by the Information Support Force. This move consolidates Xi Jinping's direct control over strategic capabilities.

2. Formation of the Information Support Force: This new branch is described as a vital component for China's military to "fight and win in modern warfare." It merges key elements from the former SSF and emphasizes the importance of information dominance in future conflicts.

3. Enhanced Coordination and Supervision: The restructuring streamlines command and control by placing units like the Aerospace Force and Cyberspace Force directly under the Central Military Commission, headed by Xi Jinping. This aims to improve coordination between space, cyber, and network defense forces.

4. Focus on Technology and AI: China's ambitions in mastering AI and other new technologies are evident in this reorganization. The emphasis on "intelligentized warfare" underscores the importance of cutting-edge technologies like AI, quantum information, big data, and cloud computing.

5. Implications for Future Conflicts: The creation of the Information Support Force highlights China's focus on information dominance, which has significant implications for potential conflicts, especially in the Taiwan Strait. In any future conflict scenario, this force would likely play a crucial role in supporting PLA's objectives.

Conclusion:

Xi Jinping's military restructuring reflects China's ambition to strengthen its military capabilities in the face of geopolitical tensions, particularly with the United States. By consolidating control and emphasizing technological prowess, China aims to position itself as a formidable force in modern warfare, with a focus on information dominance and "intelligentized warfare."