China’s new defence law allows mobilisation of civilian resources during war

China has overhauled its national defence mobilisation law for the first time since it was enacted in 2010, giving the government broader powers to draw on civilian and economic resources during war or a major crisis.

The National People’s Congress approved the amendments on Aug. 28, and the revised law will take effect on Oct. 1. It allows authorities not only to requisition resources but also to place them under government control. People or organizations that refuse to comply with orders or deliberately delay implementation could face penalties and fines.

The revised legislation contains 14 chapters and 82 articles. It is intended to help China shift rapidly from a peacetime footing to a wartime state when facing a threat. The law covers the protection of sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and security, as well as China’s “development interests.”

The new framework also changes the leadership structure. Articles 3 and 17 place the national defence mobilisation system under the Chinese Communist Party Central Committee, replacing the previous leading roles of the State Council and the Central Military Commission. Jamestown Foundation expert Samantha Hoffman said the party would be able to bring together military, civilian, economic and social resources for its strategic objectives.

Transport, postal services, telecommunications, cybersecurity, medical and pharmaceutical supplies, food and engineering sectors must prepare specialised teams and train them for immediate deployment. The law also calls for stronger cybersecurity, the use of advanced technologies, expanded reserve forces, improved recruitment systems and larger stocks of strategically important supplies.