Genesis. China’s Active defence Strategy appeared first time in MAO’s writings in the year 1936. However, its meaning has been changing from time to time along with the war fighting philosophy of China.
Changes in War Fighting Philosophy. War fighting Philosophy of China has changed with the era of person in power. Over the years the changes are as follows:-
- Mao Zedong – Final War (with reference to world wars)
- Ding Xiaoping – Local War (Shift from world war to limited wars)
- Jing Zemin – Local war with Hi Technology.
- Hu Jintao – Informatised Local War (Network centric war)
- Xi Jinping – Informatised and intelligentised war (Unrestricted War – including elements of hybrid and unconventional warfare even in the Grey Zone).
Initial Connotation. When the idea was conceived initially it meant allowing the enemy to come into own territory, in area of own choice and up to pre decide depth. Allow the enemy’s logistics supply lines get stretched out and dry down and at an opportune moment attack and defeat him. It was sort of offensive defence.
Present Framework. China articulates its Active Defence response as:
“China would never invade or expand, at the same time would never permit any piece of Chinese territory to separate from China & PLA will strike after enemy has attacked”.
Analysis & Implications
- There is always a gap between what china preaches and practices. China although states that she will not expand, but is driven by the baser instinct of expansionism, considering herself as an empire state rather than nation state.
- China decides as to what is part of China, by staking claims and producing conveniently select and doctored historical and legal documents.
- China has left definition of enemy attack intentionally vague. It is not limited to military attack by kinetic means. It may include any action by the adversary which is against the interest of China.
- In other words China decides what enemy attack is, and reserves the right to respond in a way it feels is appropriate.
- It means China will always have the initiative and will have the legitimacy (in her opinion) for her actions.
- China justifies her approach to this active defence strategy as strategically defensive but operationally offensive.
- In tune with her war fighting philosophy of unrestricted warfare, the attack on enemy would be any domain (land, air, sea, cyber, space, electronic, information, psychological or even nuclear). It could use everything and anything as a weapon from the instruments of national power (DIME).
- This strategy coupled with China’s practiced strategic approach of “achieving objectives without firing a shot”, would mean that China would continue to perpetuate grey zone warfare (inclusive of hybrid and unconventional warfare).
- China’s formation of Strategic Support Force as a separate service, is in tune with the above mentioned strategy and actions.
Bottom Line
There is an urgent need for reorientation and gearing up (not only by military) to deal with these challenges.
Question
Are we doing it?
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