China has reorganized its principal military force to add three new units that will separately deal with information, space and cyber operations.
The new units replaced the Strategic Support Force under the People’s Liberation Army to address the limitations associated with conducting such operations under a single support team.
In an event on Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said the Information Support Force is responsible for “advancing the military’s high level of development and winning a modern war.” The work involves gathering and analyzing information, building communication networks and protecting vital systems, Nikkei Asia reported.
According to the People’s Liberation Army Daily, information advantage is critical to modern warfare.
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian, who announced the reorganization, said the cyber force will boost Beijing’s cyber border defenses and its capability to counter cyberattacks and protect critical information, while the aerospace force will ensure China’s access to outer space.
The three units, which are part of the PLA’s four arms, are under the supervision of the Central Military Commission led by the Chinese president.
