China’s Revised Defense Mobilization Law Signals Preparations for Potential Conflicts

Taipei: China's revised National Defense Mobilization Law, set to take effect on October 1, indicates a strategic move by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to mobilize the nation's full resources in the event of potential conflicts with external adversaries, including Taiwan, according to analysts. The revision, passed on August 28 by the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, outlines national defense mobilization as necessary measures to ensure a rapid transition between peacetime and wartime in response to threats to national sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, security, and development interests. According to Focus Taiwan, Hung Pu-chao, an assistant professor at the University of Taipei's Center of General Education, stated that the revision targets not only Taiwan but also other countries with which China has territorial disputes, such as the Philippines, India, and Japan. Hung pointed out that this marks the first instance where "unity" is directly linked to "national defense mobilization" and "transition between peacetime and wartime." The law could serve as a legal foundation for China to use non-peaceful means against forces seeking Taiwan independence, offering potential legal justification for actions otherwise unjustifiable under international law. Kuo Yujen, vice president of the Institute for National Policy Research, highlighted that the law's failure to define "national interests" could be interpreted as Chinese President Xi Jinping consolidating more power, given the open-ended nature of the term. The revision includes the addition of "expropriation" to provisions on the requisitioning of civilian resources for military use during mobilization. Basic social functions and necessities, such as financial activities, transportation, information networks, and water and energy supplies, are prioritized for the People's Liberation Army. Yang Tai-yuan, chairman of Secure Taiwan Associate Corp., noted that "expropriation" implies a more forcible measure than "requisition." The provision aligns with China's Counterespionage Law, requiring all state agencies, nongovernmental organizations, businesses, and individuals to comply unconditionally with national security investigations. Yang emphasized that the law does not clearly define the scope of requisition and expropriation, suggesting that wartime requisition and expropriation could target all civilians and businesses in China. Hung observed that the scale of mobilization implies that failure is not an option, as defeat could lead to significant economic losses and mounting public pressure, undermining the CCP's rule. According to Yang, the revision reflects Xi's intent to implement necessary legal amendments before the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China in October, aligning with systemic changes following China's military reforms in 2015. Kuo predicted that Chinese society might experience "de facto martial law" to ensure a smooth transition for Xi's anticipated fourth term at the 21st National Congress of the CCP in October 2027. The revision is perceived as timely to prevent any internal or external disruptions as Xi consolidates his power.