New Chinese Think Tank to Evaluate Military Policies, Reforms Established

China’s Central Military Committee (CMC) has set up a new think tank consisting of military and civilian experts to independently and objectively evaluate drafts on military policies and institutional reforms.

“Top weapon and equipment developers could be part of the team. They could provide potentially valuable opinions to deepen the comprehensive military reform,” military analysts were quoted as saying by Chinese state media.

A meeting to assign tasks on the consultation and evaluation of military policies and institutional reform was held on Monday in Beijing, with Xu Qiliang, vice chairman of the CMC, delivering a speech, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Daily reported on Tuesday.

The think tank will also provide advisory services for decision making by the CMC.

One of the members who participated in the meeting was Yang Wei, chief designer of the J-20 stealth fighter jet and deputy general manager of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).  It is unclear whether he is part of the team set up by the CMC.

“Yang could have been invited since civilians like him from the arms industry know a lot about related technologies and understand the development situation of military equipment. Their opinions will definitely boost the reform,” Li Daguang, a professor at the National Defense University of the PLA, told the Global Times.

Explaining why the group consists of a mix of experts from the military and civilian populace, an analyst said that “the military are the ones who truly understand whether the reform is working, but appointing civilian experts is a measure that can provide new and constructive perspectives.”

“Under the reform, military policies and institutions should be adjusted in accordance with the changing times as socialism with Chinese characteristics and national defense have entered a new era,” defense ministry spokesperson Wu Qian had said at a November 2018 press conference, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Qian added that “the system, which is scheduled to be completely formed before 2022, will feature distinct guidance, full coverage, a rigorous structure and sound coordination.”