Li Shaojun proposes further preparation for military struggles

Li Shaojun, deputy commander of the Beijing Military Area Command (MAC) of the PLA, acknowledged the achievements scored in national defense and army building in recent years. However, he spoke frankly that as situations and tasks develop and change, there is a gap between the overall combat effectiveness of the PLA and the requirements of fulfilling new historical missions.

Li Shaojun put forward several suggestions. Firstly, adapt to the objective requirements of information-based operations. The PLA should accelerate the upgrade of systematic combat effectiveness on the basis of enhancing traditional combat capability. It is imperative to vigorously promote the establishment and application of military information system, optimize and adjust the structure of combat forces and constantly strengthen the independent innovation of national defense science and technology.

Secondly, do a good job of strategic presetting for effectively countering various security threats. The PLA should improve the military-civilian joint action mechanism and organize relevant military-civilian forces to conduct real-combat joint drills to ensure prompt operation and effective response whenever necessary.

Thirdly, make better preparation to enhance national combat potential capability, safeguard national interests and protect the security of outer space and electromagnetic cyberspace. It should expand from safeguarding national subsistence security to strengthening national development security.