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The Ministry of National Defense gave an interview in Beijing on Jan. 1, 2016, when spokesman Yang Yujun answered questions.
Yang said that on Dec. 31, 2015, the General Command of Army of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the PLA Rocket Force and PLA Strategic Support Force were inaugurated in Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), conferred military flags to the three troops and delivered a speech. Setting up the three troops marks a significant milestone in China’s military modernization and will be written into the glorious history of the PLA, he said.
Reporter: Why did the PLA establish a General Command for the Army?
Yang Yujun: The strategic decision of the CPC Central Committee, the CMC and President Xi is a significant move to deepen defense and military reform and speed up modernization of the army, creating favorable conditions for the improvement of the joint battle command system and the streamlining of the CMC’s departments and reductions in personnel numbers. We will carry forward the glorious tradition and excellent work style of the army and study developing trends to build a stronger and modern army.
Reporter: Can you describe the Rocket Force?
Yang Yujun: Given the Second Artillery troop is actually functioning as a troop, it was renamed during this reform into the Rocket Force, representing the core strength of the Chinese military to provide strategic deterrence and strategic support on a par with China’s status as a great power. It is a significant cornerstone of China’s national security. We will strive to build a stronger and modern missile force in line with its functions and missions.
Reporter: Does the establishment of the Rocket Force indicate China’s intention to beef up its nuclear forces? Is there any change in China’s nuclear policy and nuclear strategy?
Yang Yujun: China has long adhered to the policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons as well as a defensive nuclear strategy, and to keeping its nuclear power at the minimum level to maintain national security. Such a policy and strategy are consistent and there is no change.
Reporter: What is the Strategic Support Force like?
Yang Yujun: The Strategic Support Force is a new type of combat service with great potential to improve the fighting capability of Chinese troops and better maintain national security. Comprising strategic, fundamental and support forces, it has been established to optimize the structure of Chinese forces and provide more forceful integrated logistics support to combat units. We will facilitate the integration of different operating systems and civil-military integration, and strive to build a stronger and modernized supporting force.
Reporter: Why did the CMC issue the Guideline on Deepening Defense and Military Reforms?
Yang Yujun: To fully implement the decisions of the CPC Central Committee, the CMC and President Xi, the CMC released the Guideline on Deepening Defense and Military Reforms, elaborating on the reasons, details and methods of the reforms and making instructive suggestions and clear requirements on the reforms. It is conducive to cementing consensus about the reforms across the enlisted personnel, elevating morale and facilitating accomplishment of the tasks.
Reporter: What is next in the reforms?
Yang Yujun: Thank you all for your interest in and attention to the defense and military reforms. The reforms shall be implemented in phases and we will keep you informed of the latest developments in line with the reform schedule and respond to your questions.
