Reform to make PLA more adept, combative

Q: Three years have passed since the nationwide anti-corruption campaign was launched. Why is there a new disciplinary commission for the PLA now?

A: It is a major move to combat corruption in the military, which showed the Party and the military's determination to do so. The military disciplinary commission will be more independent and authoritative to fight against corruption.

Moreover, disciplinary inspectors will be sent to CMC departments and zone commands. The reform will also advance the disciplinary commission's dual leading system, under which the disciplinary commission is responsible to both the same-level Party committee and the higher-level disciplinary commission.

In fact, the reform will grant relatively greater independence to other departments, such as auditing agencies, which in turn will help regulate power within the military. A new military politics and law committee will be set up with military justice system being adjusted, which will keep power in check.

Q: Why does the plan promote integration of military and civil industries' development?

A: This strategy dates back to the 1980s, and now its importance has been re-emphasized. But the reality is totally different. During the 1980s, military industries owned more advanced technologies than their civil counterparts in most fields, so a strategy was introduced to commercialize some military technologies for civil use.

Today, however, despite taking the lead in many research programs, private enterprises still do not have enough channels to work with military industries. Hopefully, through reform they will get more opportunities.

Q: Another notable point of the reform is to end the practice of certain military agencies providing paid services for society. It reminds us of 1998, when the CMC imposed restrictions on the PLA to run businesses. Is there any difference?

A: In the 1980s, military units were allowed to run businesses, but the practice was stopped in 1998 because it bred corruption. In order to propel reform gradually, only a very few number of military agencies were allowed to continue providing paid services for non-military companies or individuals. Now the leadership is continuing the reform with a total ban on the practice.

Contact the author at zhangzhouxiang@chinadaily.com.cn