Achievements made in systemizing military transparency

In 2011, the Chinese military has made bigger strides in systemizing military transparency and achieved remarkable results, according to the PLA Daily.

At the end of March, 2011, the Chinese government issued the 7th white paper on national defense since 1998. Starting from April of 2011, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China realized the normalization and regularization in news release system.

The two measures are significant for enhancing mutual trust between the Chinese military and the militaries of other countries and meeting the daily growing demand for national defense information from home and abroad. It marks a new phase of the systemizing construction of China's military transparency.

The establishment and improvement of the national defense white paper issuing mechanism is an important symbol of China's open and transparent national defense and army building. The national defense white paper, featured by distinct Chinese characteristics and styles, has been issued for 13 consecutive years and becomes an authoritative document for people from home and abroad to fully understand Chinese national defense policies and the modernization construction of the Chinese national defense. It serves as the most important window for Chinese military to open up and remain transparent to the outside world.

In 2011, the press spokesman system of the MND was greatly enriched and improved. The regular press conference system of the MND was established and implemented and normal information release was steadily promoted. Such movements have enhanced MND's capacity in immediately responding to major sensitive issues related to the Chinese military and unexpected emergencies, and correctly guiding public opinions, and have produced favorable social effects.

By Chen Zhou, who is the director of the Center of Studies on National Defense Policy of the Academy of Military Sciences (AMS) of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).