Xi Jinping orders China’s biggest military reorganisation

China has announced the creation of a new military cyber corps, the Information Support Force, aimed at bolstering Beijing’s capability to “fight and win” wars. The formation of this new force was declared on Friday by the defense ministry spokesman, Wu Qian, who emphasized its role as a “key support for coordinated development and application of network information systems.”
This strategic initiative is part of China’s continued investment in military modernization, which has seen billions of dollars allocated to upgrading its armed forces amidst growing tensions with the United States and other regional powers.The establishment of the Information Support Force represents a significant reorganization of China’s military resources, focusing on enhancing cyber warfare capabilities.
President Xi Jinping, who has worked to tighten his grip on the military since taking power, “extended warm congratulations” at a ceremony in Beijing, which was broadcast on state television. Dressed in military attire, Xi addressed officers and underscored the founding of the new force as a pivotal decision by the Communist Party to refine the military system “with Chinese characteristics.”
In his speech, Xi reiterated the need for the military to “resolutely obey the party’s command” and to uphold the principles of the party’s absolute leadership over the military. The reorganization also involves the termination of the Strategic Support Force, established in 2015 to boost China’s capabilities in space, cyber, political, and electronic warfare. The aerospace and cyber units from this now-defunct force will be realigned under the new Information Support Force.
This military reshuffle is reported to be the largest since 2015 and comes at a time when cyber tensions with global powers such as the US are escalating. The US, along with the UK and New Zealand, has recently accused China of sponsoring cyber activities targeting democratic institutions, highlighting the critical nature of cyber warfare in global conflicts.
China’s contentious territorial claims, including its assertion over Taiwan and almost the entire South China Sea, further complicate the regional security landscape. The reorganization under Xi’s leadership is seen as a move to strengthen China’s hand in these ongoing disputes and to ensure more cohesive military operations across different domains.
Chinese hackers preparing to attack US infrastructure
Meanwhile, FBI director Christopher Wray has raised alarms about Chinese government-linked hackers infiltrating US critical infrastructure, describing a grim scenario where they could launch devastating attacks at their discretion. Speaking at Vanderbilt University, Wray outlined the threats posed by an ongoing Chinese hacking campaign known as Volt Typhoon.
According to Wray, this campaign has successfully penetrated the systems of several key American industries, including telecommunications, energy, and water, specifically targeting 23 pipeline operators. His remarks were made during the 2024 Vanderbilt Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats.
Wray expressed concerns about China’s capabilities, saying, “China is developing the ability to physically wreak havoc on our critical infrastructure at a time of its choosing.” He further elaborated on the potential motives behind these cyber intrusions, suggesting they are part of a broader strategy to undermine U.S. resolve in defending allies, such as Taiwan. “Its plan is to land low blows against civilian infrastructure to try to induce panic,” Wray emphasized.
The intent behind these cyber activities remains challenging to pinpoint, but Wray indicated that they align with China’s larger strategic objectives to deter the US from any defensive actions towards Taiwan.
(With inputs from agencies)