Defense/Military - 71. page

Based on the Annual Plan of Joint Exercises, the Central Military Commission authorized the Mission 2010 cross-regional group army mobility exercise, which started on October 10, 2010. The exercise was a response to Hu Jintao’s call for “Innovative Development in Military Exercises.” The basic goal of this exercise was to improve information system based combat capabilities. The exercise covered the Beijing, Lanzhou, and Chengdu Military Regions and the Air Forces as well as the Army Air Corps. The total number of troops involved was more than 30,000, and the total mobility distance covered was over 10,000 kilometers. In addition, civilian passenger and cargo airplanes were coordinated to participate in this exercise.

Source: Xinhua, October 9, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/2010-10/09/c_13549165.htm

PLA Daily published an article on the need to continue to innovate when involved in political work for the PLA. It asserted that the newly revised “Regulation on Political Work for the PLA” requires innovation when it comes to the subject matter at hand, and to the methods, and mechanisms of political work. A major part of learning is how to use the Internet and apply new technology to political work. The public media should also be used to extend the reach and influence of political work. The article also discussed traditional methods.

Source: PLA Daily, September 27, 2010
http://www.chinamil.com.cn/jfjbmap/content/2010-09/27/content_39267.htm

An official from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center stated on October 5 that the center will launch two satellites to explore the environment in outer space as part of the Shi Jian-6 Group 4 mission. “Currently, rockets and satellites are in good condition, and all the preparatory work is progressing smoothly.”

Source: Xinhua, October 5, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/2010-10/05/c_12631595.htm

With the approval of Hu Jintao, the Chairman of the Central Military Commission, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) recently published Regulations for the Discipline Inspection Commission. The new Regulations were established in the latest attempt by the Chinese Army to battle internal corruption. The Regulations outline a detailed reporting structure, basic principles, organizational settings, duties and responsibilities, processes, and working rules and requirements. This new document is considered the latest fruit of years of the army’s anti-corruption experiences. It also provides clearer working rules for the Discipline Inspection Commission. The Regulations even include details on how to handle the situation when Commission members themselves are in violation of the rules.

Source: Xinhua, September 25, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2010-09/25/c_12604321.htm

According to Xinhua, China’s naval training ship “Zhenghe” and the frigate "Mianyang" conducted joint naval maneuvers with the Australian Navy missile frigate “Sydney” on September 24.

The China naval fleet visited Australia earlier. During the visit, China and Australia achieved a consensus on multiple issues in terms of building a “harmonious sea” and maintaining regional stability and peace. The joint naval maneuvers on the sea are a concrete manifestation of that consensus.

Source: Xinhua, September 24, 2010
http://news.xinhuanet.com/2010-09/24/c_13527900.htm

On September 17, 2010, China Review News republished a Xinhua report on the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) [1] joint military drill – "Peace Mission 2010" in Kazakhstan. Ma Xiaotian, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the PLA and the Chief Commander of the 1,000 PLA troops in the drill, held a press conference on September 16.

According to Ma, the SCO joint military drill is not targeted at any country. The purposes for the dril are:

1. Implement the consensus reached by the leaders of all SCO member countries;
2. Further strengthen the practical cooperation among the SCO member countries including defense cooperation;
3. Further demonstrate the determination, will, and ability to fight together against terrorists, separatists, and extremists;
4. Further increase mutual political trust among SCO member countries and enhance the understanding and friendship among the armed forces of the member countries.

[1] Editor’s Note: The SCO members include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Source: China Review News, September 17, 2010
http://gb.chinareviewnews.com/doc/1014/4/8/9/101448906.html?coluid=4&kindid=18&docid=101448906&mdate=0917094801

The Chinese military should improve its image in the international community "to attract and convince a global audience [of its peaceful intent]," says a Study Times article. The key is to adopt a soft approach when disseminating information about the military. 
 

The suggestions are: 1) Focus on civilian readers and progress from “readable” to “pleasantly readable,” rather than preaching. 2) The content should include soft peripheral stories appealing to the public, along with hard, main messages, so as not to trigger resistance. 3) Narrate stories gently and charmingly – be up close and personal when explaining military actions. Through the soft approach, “the pleasant image will gently sneak into the mind of the audience. It is beneficial to narrow the communication gap, bring the audience into the military’s fold, and help them understand the real intent behind the communications."

Source: Study Times, September 6, 2010
http://www.studytimes.com.cn:9999/epaper/xxsb/html/2010/09/06/12/12_47.htm