The newly revised Law of the People’s Republic of China on National Defense Mobilization has been officially promulgated and will take effect on October 1. Based on the law’s provisions, China National Radio highlights the following 10 key points:
1. Defining “national defense mobilization”
The revised law defines national defense mobilization as making adequate preparations and reserves during peacetime and rapidly shifting to a mobilization posture in times of crisis. This involves transforming the country’s human resources, materials, industrial capacity, and technological potential into national defense capabilities.
2. Establishing a “reserve personnel system”
The law distinguishes reserve personnel from reservists and establishes systems for the registration, retention, and mobilization of reserve personnel to support ongoing national defense and military reforms.
Notably, once a mobilization order is issued, designated personnel may not leave their registered place of residence without authorization. Those who are away must immediately return or remain where they are and stand by for mobilization and report for duty as required.
3. Expanding the scope of “national defense service”
The law provides that a broad segment of the population may be required to perform national defense service. Those subject to the obligation include:
- Male citizens aged 18–60
- Female citizens aged 18–55
The law also specifies exemptions. Those required to perform national defense service, particularly individuals who were previously unemployed, may receive certain subsidies.
4. Requisition and protection of civilian resources
If national defense mobilization is implemented and existing reserves are insufficient, the government may legally requisition civilian resources, including vehicles, facilities, and equipment.
However, the law establishes an exemption list covering personal and household necessities and residences, as well as essential goods and accommodations needed by childcare, elderly-care, child-welfare, and assistance institutions serving children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
Requisitioned property must be returned promptly after use, while modified property must be restored before being returned. Fair and reasonable compensation must be provided for damaged or destroyed property and direct economic losses. All requisitions must be registered and documented.
5. Special controls following national defense mobilization
Once national defense mobilization is implemented, authorities may impose controls in relevant areas over transportation, telecommunications and networks, energy, food, and other sectors, including restrictions on the movement of people and goods.
6. Mobilization in emerging fields
The revised law adds provisions promoting the application of advanced technologies in national defense mobilization and the development of mobilization capabilities in emerging fields. The move reflects the growing importance of emerging and new types of combat capabilities in modern warfare.
7. Greater opportunities for civilian companies to participate in military production
The law calls for a mobilization system covering military research and development, production, maintenance, and support. It also requires security assessments of military-industrial and supply chains and promotes the standardization, serialization, and modularization of military products, as well as the socialization of military maintenance and support.
These provisions could create greater opportunities for civilian enterprises to participate in military research, production, maintenance, and support.
8. Stricter legal responsibilities and enforcement
The law establishes penalties for refusing to fulfill mobilization obligations, evading mobilization, delaying requisitions, falsifying information, or obstructing mobilization efforts. It strengthens accountability and enforcement to safeguard national defense requirements.
9. Recognition and rewards for contributors
Organizations and individuals who make outstanding contributions to national defense mobilization will be eligible for commendations and rewards. The law emphasizes the honor of serving the country and seeks to enhance the dignity and social recognition of active-duty personnel, veterans, reservists, and militia members.
10. Improving supporting regulations and systems
Relevant military and civilian authorities will formulate or revise supporting policies and regulations based on the revised National Defense Mobilization Law and actual requirements.
Provincial governments will also develop and improve regulations and policies within their jurisdictions, with the goal of establishing a comprehensive and integrated legal and regulatory framework for national defense mobilization in the new era.
Source: China National Radio, August 30, 2026
https://military.cnr.cn/jq/20260830/t20260830_527798615.shtml