China has introduced new regulations aimed at restricting the release of information about its military online, set to take effect on March 1. This move comes as the country continues to modernize and expand its military forces to rival the United States. It also aligns with President Xi Jinping’s broader efforts to strengthen national security and protect state secrets amidst increasing geopolitical tensions.
The regulations will likely have a significant impact on Chinese military bloggers and commentators, who are often quick to share information about new weapons systems, troop movements, and other military developments. These enthusiasts have become a crucial source for monitoring the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), as they frequently post images and updates about military activities.
The new rules are designed to address concerns about the spread of false information and the leaking of sensitive military data. They prohibit the creation, sharing, or dissemination of military secrets, national defense technology, and other undisclosed information, including details on weapons systems, military exercises, and the organization of military units.
The regulations target both individuals and online platforms that focus on military affairs, including military websites, social media accounts, and columns dedicated to military topics.
The new regulations on military information, which are set to be enforced starting March 1, were issued by a coalition of 10 government and Communist Party departments, including top internet regulators, military leadership, and the ministries of public security, state security, and culture and tourism.
In the past, open-source information has been crucial for tracking the progress of China’s military. For example, last December, images and footage of what many speculated was China’s next-generation stealth fighter jet caused a major stir both in China and internationally, after the aircraft was seen flying over two Chinese cities during the day.
The impact of these new rules on foreign media’s coverage of China’s military remains unclear. Analysts suggest that these regulations could signal increased control over military-related content on the Chinese internet.
David Bandurski, executive director of the China Media Project, pointed out that while military content is popular among Chinese internet users, the government seems determined to ensure that sensitive information—broadly defined—and speculation do not disrupt the official narrative about China’s military growth and capabilities. James Char, a PLA expert, added that military-related information has always been tightly controlled by Chinese authorities.
Some of the content prohibited by the new regulations has already been banned under previous laws, such as anything that threatens national sovereignty, security, or insults the military and its “heroes and martyrs.” Other types of content, like criticism of China’s defense policy and military strategy, or the spread of false information about the military, are regularly censored on Chinese social media.
PLA expert James Char believes that the announcement of these new regulations is essentially a formalization of existing rules. However, he points out that the new prohibition on sharing information about military deployments and troop movements specifically targets individuals, such as military bloggers or ordinary citizens, who post such content without official PLA approval.
Char suggests that this new rule may make people more hesitant to share information about troop movements or military exercises they witness in their local areas. Additionally, he notes that this measure serves China’s interests by preventing the early exposure of troop deployments, especially ahead of major military exercises or troop buildups near sensitive areas like the Taiwan Strait.