Chinese President Xi Jinping Orders Biggest Military Reorganisation Since 2015

Chinese President Xi Jinping issued orders for the most significant reorganization of the military since 2015, with a particular focus on bolstering capabilities in cyber warfare. This restructuring entails the dissolution of the Strategic Support Force, which was established over eight years ago to enhance capacities in space, cyber, political, and electronic warfare, as reported by the official Xinhua News Agency on Friday.

According to the reports, Xi has directed the establishment of a new branch known as the Information Support Force.

The aerospace and cyber units previously housed within the Strategic Support Force will now operate independently under this newly formed entity, according to a statement from the Defence Ministry. Specifically, the aerospace unit will enhance China's abilities in space utilization and crisis management, while the cyber unit will continue to play a vital role in advancing the nation's cyber capabilities.

Reaffirming the Communist Party's overarching authority over the military, Xi emphasized that the newly established force will play a pivotal role in coordinating the development and utilization of the cyber information system.

Li Wei, formerly the political commissar of the now-disbanded Strategic Support Force, will retain his position within the Information Support Force. He has expressed firm commitment to adhering to Xi's directives. Bi Yi has been appointed as the new commander of the Information Support Force, as reported by state television CCTV.

Ju Qiansheng, the former commander of the Strategic Support Force, had previously attracted speculation due to his temporary absence amid broader upheavals in China's military leadership over the past year. While Ju has since reemerged, his current role remains undisclosed by state media.