The new regulations announced by China restrict the online decimation of military-related information to protect defence sources and the public image of the People Liberation Army (PLA), reported a Southeast Asian news organisation. The new measures, which take effect on March 1, will make developments in China’s military more difficult to track.
What New Rules Say
Under the new rules “Online military information providers” are prohibited from “producing, copying, publishing or decimating” previously disclosed details, including information on weapon systems and military facilities.
The regulation has also restricted the sharing of details about military and national defence technology secrets such as research, production, testing, transport and maintenance of military equipment. The release of information related to the PLA’s organisational structure, chain of command, previous commanders and military units will also remain disclosed.
PLA’s Justification
The PLA’s official social media account states that the regulations will prevent the leakage of false military secrets on the internet. In a document signed by the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Central Ministry Commission of the Political Works department and other entities, the PLA justified these regulations while making it public on Saturday last week. These regulations prohibit publishing information that could deny or attack China’s national defence policy and military strategies. This includes information related to construction development or the use of strategic nuclear forces.
Authorities have warned that any military disclosures could jeopardise national security and expose sensitive data for foreign espionage. Several individuals have been arrested previously for photographing military basis and weapons.
