To build a modern army, the People's Liberation Army must learn from the US, says Chinese military official
Official says military must join hands with the civilian sector, just as America has done
China needs to focus more on developing a military-industrial complex much like the United States has done, to ensure a powerful army in keeping with its place in the world, according to a top Chinese military official.
"China is walking towards the centre of the world stage as it gains more power. It faces increasing … challenges. National revival could be interrupted if the economy, technology and defence are not enhanced at the same time," Central Military Commission vice-chairman Xu Qiliang wrote in a collection of essays released this week.
Military-industrial complex refers to a mutually beneficial relationship between a country's military and defence-minded firms and manufacturers.
Xu's call is part of President Xi Jinping's campaign to transform the People's Liberation Army into a modern force capable of winning wars.
Read more: China vows to speed up military overhauls in bid to build up 'modern army'
In the collection of essays by top cadres involved in the 13th five-year plan, Xu - in the first such explanation given by a top military official - explained at length the rationale and targets for the president's push to develop a military-industrial complex.
Many countries had already integrated civilian resources into military development, Xu wrote, and the building of national defence could bring tremendous economic and social benefits.
