China’s authorities have taken the next step in the modernization of the country’s armed forces, with President Xi Jinping announcing the dissolution and replacement of the Strategic Support Force (SSF) with the Information Support Force. Founded on December 31, 2015, the SSF lasted a little over eight years and was disbanded on April 19 of this year.
Information support forces were presented at a recent ceremony in Beijing, attended by President Xi Jinping. The command of the newly formed forces is entrusted to Lieutenant General Biand, former deputy commander of the SSF. This new branch of troops directly obeys the Central Military Commission, which controls the Armed Forces of China.
According to Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a representative of the Ministry of Defense, the creation of information support forces is part of a strategy for building a strong army and aimed at improving the structure of modern military forces. Wu Qian claims that these forces will contribute to the coordinated development and use of network information systems, involving responsibilities for command and control, ensuring information security, and intelligence distribution.
The Aerospace Force and Cyberspace Force, previously part of the SSF, will now function parallel to the newly created structure, the Ministry of Defense reported. The Cyberspace forces will adopt the functions of the former SSF network systems, with tasks including offensive and defensive cyber operations. Additionally, the responsibility of the Space forces expands to include control of space operations and launches.
These changes come amidst the global struggle for influence with the world’s second-largest economy, the USA, where Cyber warfare acts as a key battleground. Last month, the United States, Great Britain, and New Zealand accused China of sponsoring harmful cyber tactics targeted at democratic institutions.
The Ministry of Defense emphasizes that the structure of military forces will continue to improve in accordance with changing circumstances and tasks, while Xi Jinping reiterates that the PLA must remain faithful to the leading instructions of the China party.