China enacts law to convert civilian tech and industry for wartime use

China has enacted substantial amendments to its National Defense Mobilization Law, marking the first major overhaul in 16 years. The revised legislation empowers the state to swiftly convert civilian technology, industry, transportation, and data resources for military purposes in times of war or national emergency.

The updated law, discussed during the 24th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress, now explicitly defines "national defense mobilization" as activities that ensure a rapid transition between peacetime and wartime. It emphasizes converting economic and social capacities into defense capabilities under the centralized leadership of the Party Central Committee, while also readjusting the roles of the military and local authorities.

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Ensuring the rapid transition between peace and war, and converting economic and social capacities into defense capabilities.

Key provisions include promoting the application of advanced technologies and developing defense mobilization capabilities in emerging areas. Analysts suggest this reflects China's focus on enhancing "new quality combat capabilities," integrating civilian technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics more closely with military needs, a shift from previous emphasis on aerospace.

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The most crucial aspect in the transition from peacetime to wartime is knowing what mobilization potential and materials exist and where they are located.

The revisions aim to formalize a system where resources held by the military, local governments, and enterprises are identified during peacetime and mobilized rapidly during wartime. This includes identifying potential mobilization assets like civilian drones, transportation vehicles, and factories capable of producing specific military components or semiconductors.

Furthermore, the amendments address discrepancies between existing laws and the realities of China's military reforms, particularly the restructuring of military command systems. The establishment of National Defense Mobilization Offices in local governments since late 2022 and the current legal revisions are expected to clarify command structures and responsibilities, ensuring better coordination between the military and local authorities for comprehensive national defense mobilization.

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Problems arose where the military and local governments did not mesh well after the reform of the Chinese military. It was unclear what each was responsible for and who would oversee overall national defense mobilization.