China wants to exploit its resources "in the seas, in space and in the polar regions." The White Paper on the Ministry of Defence provides a change in strategy of the Chinese Navy, from "defense on the high seas" to "offshore protection ". Closer scrutiny of key areas such as internet, foreign investment and information systems.

Beijing (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will expand its presence beyond territorial borders with the new national security bill approved yesterday by the National People’s Congress. Beside the need to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, the law provides that it is the responsibility of the military to defend " overseas interests ", even through the use of force if necessary.

China has long been in conflict with the nations of South East Asia for the control of the South China Sea. The Asean countries affected (Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia) fear the growing threats from Beijing.

 Ni Lexiong, a naval expert based in Shanghai, explained that the new provisions contained in the text adopted yesterday almost unanimously: "indicate the PLA Navy has been given the challenging and tough long-term task to defend China's overseas interests. More resources and political support will be required to turn the navy into a capable blue-water force [to carry out these tasks]. "

The draft law also includes some provisions that require the state to protect strategic resources and energy reserves, as well as transportation networks by land and sea to safeguard the social and economic development of the country. Ni says: "In this clause, Beijing is showing its determination to protect its oil lifeline at sea, hinting that it will continue to set up a network of offshore military supply depots in strategic ports to protect its national interests overseas".

Under the law, all the activities of the Army - both domestic and foreign policy, including defense of overseas interests peacekeeping missions, rescue operations and international support - must be approved by the Central Military Commission chaired by President Xi Jinping.

The law was approved about a month after the White Paper on the Ministry of Defence, in which Beijing says it wants to make the military more resolute, transforming the Navy focus from "offshore defense" to include " offshore protection ".

The new provisions of the law on national security require a strengthening of controls on the Internet, foreign investment, technology, information services and key infrastructure, in order to make them "safe and controllable" in the event of cyber-attacks, violations and theft of state secrets.

A final clause provides that China develop its ability to "explore and use resources in space, under the sea and in the polar regions." He Qisong, an expert in defense policy at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, said: "Beijing has sent a clear message to its people and the military, the whole country will provide full support to the armed forces to defend the country's interests, be they overseas, in space, in deep seas and even in polar regions"

 

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