Security News > 2007 > January > China releases the 5th White Paper on national defense
http://www.cctv.com/english/20061229/102675.shtml By Du Xiaodan CCTV.com 12-29-2006 China has released its fifth white paper on national defense since 1998. The new document provides an overall defense situation in 2006 and the military's modernization drive over the last two years. In 2006 the upgrading of a modern army for self-defense continued to be the priority for the Chinese military. Defense authorities set the military's development as subject to the country's overall growth. he 2006 defense budget reached 35 billion US dollars a 14% increase since the previous year. However, comparing this figure to the overall finance expenditure, the defense budget is decreasing in proportion. And in comparison with other major countries, China's defense budget doesn't appear appalling. The white paper says the budget is equally distributed into three areas, for soldiers' life expenditure, training, and equipment. To strengthen the military's defensive capability, China has been streamlining its army and upgrading military equipment. In 2005, the PLA reduced its number to 2.3 million, by disarming 200,000 soldiers. This means China has reduced 1.7 million military staff since mid 1980s. Meanwhile, the army is modernizing its equipment to keep up with advanced information warfare. Scientific research and innovation are encouraged to enable the PLA safeguard national security and stability. Chinese soldiers are also going beyond the national border. Under the command of the United Nations, China has sent nearly 6,000 military staff on global peacekeeping missions. Some have sacrificed their lives for world peace. The deepening international cooperation also saw increased bilateral and multilateral military exchanges. In 2006, China's military cooperation with the United States, Europe and Asian countries has reached high levels. Through platforms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, China enhances its military cooperative mechanism. War games also help strengthen mutual understanding, and the combat capabilities. The white paper says China will continue to modernize its army for defensive purposes, to ensure the smooth development of the national economy. China's defense policy never threatens another country, neither now nor in the future. _____________________________ Subscribe to InfoSec News http://www.infosecnews.org/mailman/listinfo/isn