When it comes to core interests, China holds on to the bottom line without compromise
For the first time, the white paper explains the 5 basic policies and principles for the diversified employment of the armed forces. As for how to approach these 5 policies and principles, Chen Zhou explained that the diversified employment of the armed forces must adhere to the core security needs of the nation as the orientation. China insists on using peaceful solutions to resolve international disputes, but when it comes to the fundamental issues concerning national sovereignty and territorial integrity, China will hold on to the bottom line, persist in fighting, and will never give in or compromise.
China will unswervingly implement its national defense policy defensive in nature. However, the defensive nature of the national defense policy is in unity with the resolution in safeguarding the national core interests. If anyone wantonly infringes upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of China, China will follow such self-defensive principle that "we will not attack unless we are attacked; if we are attacked, we will certainly counterattack," and will take all necessary measures to fight back with resolution.
Maintaining constant combat readiness is prerequisite for fighting and winning battles
It is another highlight of the new defense paper to list a section for "Maintaining Constant Combat Readiness" with emphasis on conducting actual-combat-oriented exercises and drills.
According to Chen Zhou, elevating the level of combat readiness and maintaining constant combat readiness is the prerequisite for fighting and winning battles. It is also an important guarantee for coping with various security threats effectively and accomplishing diversified military tasks.
In recent years, the PLA has insisted on raising the daily combat readiness up to a strategic height: The Army of the PLA (PLAA) has strengthened the construction of combat readiness duty system; the Navy of the PLA (PLAN) has performed regular combat readiness patrol; the Air Force of the PLA (PLAAF) has focused its daily combat readiness on territorial air defense; and the Second Artillery Force of the PLA (PLASAF) has established a sensitive and high-efficiency joint operational duty system to ensure rapid and effective responses to war threats and emergencies.
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