Frontline troops, bionic aircraft, support in the we-media, social panic, military trauma treatment, and unit integration
Michael Horlick, MPM, M Ed., PMP
Educator, Ethicist, and Incurable Idealist
Terms to note from recent PRC Ministry of National Defense press events:
Event quote:
中国人民解放军持续强化练兵备战，全面提升打赢能力，坚决捍卫国家主权和领土完整。?
The PLA will continuously improve its combat readiness, comprehensively enhance the military capability to fight and win, and firmly safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)??
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? ... 全面提高打赢能力，深化练兵备战，提高军事训练质量层次，建好用好新域新质力量，不断增强我军威慑和实战能力。?
... we will comprehensively enhance the military's capability to fight and win, intensify military training and preparedness to raise the quality and standard of military training. We will develop and make good use of new-domain forces with new combat capabilities, so as to continuously augment the deterrence and combat capabilities of the military.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on March 30, 2023)?
?? 11月8日,中共中央总书记、国家主席、中央军委主席、军委联指总指挥习近平视察中央军委联合作战指挥中心，表明新一届军委贯彻落实党的二十大精神、全面加强练兵备战的鲜明态度。 习主席视察时发表的重要讲话，深刻阐明了加快提高打赢能力、有效履行新时代我军使命任务一系列带根本性方向性全局性的重大问题，突出强调了中央军委联合作战指挥中心的独特地位作用，必将进一步把全军思想和行动统一到党的二十大精神上来，激励和感召广大官兵踔厉奋发、勇毅前行，奋力实现建军一百年奋斗目标，在新时代新征程上赢得更加伟大的胜利和荣光。?
President Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, chairman of the CMC, and commander-in-chief of the CMC JOCC, inspected the JOCC on November 8 [2022]. The inspection shows the attitude of the new CMC on implementing the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress and enhancing training and combat readiness. During the inspection, President Xi gave an important speech and expounded on a series of major issues of fundamental, directional and overall significance, including more quickly enhancing the capability to fight and win and effectively fulfilling the military’s missions and tasks in the new era. President Xi also underlined the JOCC’s unique position and role. The inspection will further align the thinking and action of the military with the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, inspire all officers and soldiers to press ahead with fortitude to realize the military’s centenary goal, and achieve greater victories and glories on the new journey in the new era.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on November 24, 2022)?
?? 党的二十大报告鲜明提出，全面加强练兵备战，提高人民军队打赢能力。?
The report to the 20th CPC National Congress requires the military to improve training and combat readiness across the board and strengthen the capability to fight and win.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on November 24, 2022)
此次联训以反恐行动为主题，依照热带山岳丛林地条件模拟构设实战环境，研练联合营救人质行动等战法打法；灵活运用多型无人机、机器人、仿生飞行器等装备，有人与无人行动紧密协同，训练提升双方任务部队联合行动能力；还组织文体活动，增进联训官兵的互动了解，深化“中泰一家亲”的传统情谊。?
Under the theme of counter-terrorism, the [China-Thailand "Commando 2024" joint army training] training was conducted in a simulated real-combat environment with tropical mountains and forests, and focused on combat tactics including joint rescue of hostages. Many types of UAVs, robots and bionic aircraft were used in the exercise with a combination of manned and unmanned operations to strengthen interoperability of the two task forces. Sports and cultural activities were organized to enhance mutual understanding and deepen traditional family-like friendship between China and Thailand.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)
Event quote:
今年是中俄建交75周年，75年来两国关系风雨兼程，探索出“不结盟、不对抗、不针对第三方”的相邻大国正确相处之道，打造了不同于冷战时期的大国关系新范式。?
This year marks the 75th year of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Over the past 75 years, the China-Russia relations have weathered winds and rains. The two countries have explored a right approach for neighbouring major countries to get along with each other featuring non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party, and forged a new paradigm of major-country relations that differs entirely from the Cold War approach.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 40年来，中美关系风雨兼程，既取得了历史性进展，也面临着新的挑战。?
The China-US relationship has gone through a lot in the last 40 years. We have made historic progress, but also face new challenges.? (Wang_Yi_State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi Meets the Press_国务委员兼外交部长王毅就中国外交政策和对外关系回答中外记者提问_2019_03_08)?
?? 70年披荆斩棘，70年风雨兼程。?
Our country has braved thorny paths and confronted stormy weather over the past seventy years.? (Xi_Jinping_New Year Speech_2019)?
任务期间，舰艇编队发挥“海上流动大学”作用，近千名海军工程大学学员随舰执行远海实习任务，柬埔寨、越南、老挝等6国18名学员混编同训，扎实开展航行值更、远洋航海保障技能等训练，有效提升岗位任职和实操能力。?
During the mission, the task group acted as a "floating university" with around one thousand midshipmen from the Naval University of Engineering onboard to have a far-seas internship. 18 foreign midshipmen from six countries including Cambodia, Viet Nam and Laos participated in the training in mixed groups with Chinese midshipmen. They trained on skills such as underway watch and navigation support, which improved their professional and operational skills.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)
全军合成训练现场会深入贯彻习主席关于加强军事训练的重要指示，聚焦实现建军一百年奋斗目标，在我军传统练战术、练协同基础上，探索新时代合成训练单元集成训、战术协同训、对抗检验训新模式，推动合成训练创新实践走深走实，加快构建新型军事训练体系，为生成基于网络信息体系的一体化联合作战能力奠定坚实基础。?
To implement President Xi's important instructions on strengthening military training and to accelerate the realization of the military's centenary goal, the on-site meeting on combined training was recently held. On the basis of traditional training that focuses on tactics and coordination, the meeting explored new models for combined training, including integration at unit level, coordination at tactical level and force-on-force training. It aimed to boost innovative development of combined training, accelerate building a new type of military training system, and generate joint operations capability based on a network and information system.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)
Event quote;
航行自由不等于横行自由。中方坚决反对有关国家打着所谓“航行自由”旗号，挑衅和危害中国主权安全。中国军队始终严阵以待，坚决反制一切威胁挑衅，捍卫国家主权和领土完整。?
... freedom of navigation doesn't mean willful trespassing. China firmly opposes certain countries making provocations and undermining China's sovereignty and security in the name of freedom of navigation. The Chinese military will remain on high alert, and firmly respond to any threats and provocations to safeguard our sovereignty and territorial integrity.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 美方所谓“航行自由”是个伪命题。举个例子，南海是世界上航行最自由、最安全的海域之一，美方却一再拿“航行自由”说事，这是毫无道理的，其目的不过是借此插手地区事务、维护美霸权而已。中方一贯尊重各国依据包括《联合国海洋法公约》在内的国际法享有的航行和飞越自由，但航行不是“横行”，自由不能妄为。我们坚决反对“横行自由”，坚决反对任何国家以“航行自由”为名进行侵权挑衅，损害沿岸国主权和安全，危害地区和平与稳定。?
The so-called "freedom of navigation" is a false proposition. Take the South China Sea as an example, it is untenable for the US to make an issue of "freedom of navigation" when the South China Sea is one of the world's freest and safest waters for navigation. The true purpose of the US is to use it as an excuse for meddling in regional affairs and maintaining its own hegemony. The Chinese side always respects the freedom of navigation and overflight entitled to countries under international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, there is a huge difference between navigation and trespassing and between freedom and willfulness. We firmly stand against "willful trespassing" and oppose any country conducting unlawful provocations in the name of "freedom of navigation" to harm the sovereignty and security of coastal countries and undermine regional peace and stability.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on May 30, 2024)?
?? 美国军舰频繁打着“航行自由”的幌子炫耀武力，这不是对什么自由开放的承诺，而是谋求“横行自由”的挑衅，是对地区和平稳定的蓄意破坏。?
US warships frequently flex muscles in the name of exercising freedom of navigation. This is not about keeping the region free and open. This is provocation aimed at “freedom of trespassing” and it constitutes deliberate sabotage of regional peace and stability.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 29, 2022)?
?? 美国言必称维护南海“航行自由”，那不过是美国先进军机军舰在南海耀武扬威、寻衅滋事的“横行自由”罢了。?
The freedom of navigation in the South China Sea claimed by the US is nothing but the “freedom of trespassing” enjoyed by US advanced military aircraft and vessels in saber-rattling and making provocations.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on December 15, 2021)
在核问题上，美方历来是拿着手电筒只照别人不照自己。?
On the nuclear issue, the US has long been holding a "flashlight" only to check out on the behaviors of others but not herself.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)
Event quote:
美国一味强化亚太前沿军事部署，不会给地区带来和平与安宁，只会制造紧张与对抗。?
... the US has been intensifying its forward military deployment in the Asia-Pacific. It will not bring peace and tranquility to the region, but create tension and confrontation.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 近年来，美方以中国为假想敌，持续推进亚太前沿军事部署，挑动对立对抗，推高紧张局势，我们对此坚决反对。?
... taking China as an imaginary enemy, the US has beefed up forward military deployment in the Asia-Pacific and stoked up confrontation and tensions in the region in recent years. We firmly oppose such approach.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on August 29, 2024)?
?? 近年来，美方持续推进亚太前沿军事部署，损害他国安全利益，推高地区紧张局势，我们对此坚决反对。?
The US side in recent years has kept advancing its forward military deployment in the Asia Pacific region. Such move undermines the security interests of other countries and heightens regional tensions. We are firmly opposed to such deployment.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on July 25, 2024)?
?? 美方以莫须有的威胁为借口，持续推进亚太前沿军事部署，挑动对立对抗，推高紧张局势，我们对此坚决反对。?
The US uses the non-existent "China threat" as a pretext to advance its forward deployment of military assets in the Asia-Pacific, provoking antagonism and confrontation and escalating tensions. We are firmly opposed to this.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on June 27, 2024)?
?? 美国强化在亚太地区的前沿军事部署，推高地区紧张局势，地区国家应保持高度警惕?
The US is stepping up its forward military deployment in the Asia-Pacific, which has escalated tensions in the region. Regional countries should all stay on high alert against this.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on December 28, 2023)
Event quote:
民进党当局为一己私利搞“台独”、制造社会恐慌，挑动两岸对立对抗。?
The DPP authorities have been seeking "Taiwan independence', creating social panic and provoking cross-Strait confrontation for selfish gains.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 其中，恐怖主义必须同时具备手段、目的和表现形式等要素，手段包括“暴力、破坏、恐吓等手段”，目的是通过“制造社会恐慌、危害公共安全、侵犯人身财产，或者胁迫国家机关、国际组织，以实现其政治、意识形态等目的”，表现形式为“主张和行为”；恐怖活动则必须既具备恐怖主义性质，又具有“组织、策划、准备实施、实施恐怖活动”等法定表现形式。?
In the Counterterrorism Law, the concept of terrorism encompasses the means, ends and forms, and is defined as propositions or acts that by means of violence, sabotage or intimidation, create social panic, undermine public security, violate personal and property rights, or coerce state agencies and international organizations, to realize political, ideological or other purposes. The Counterterrorism Law defines the nature of terrorist activities and their specific forms, including organizing, planning, preparing for, or conducting acts that cause serious social harm.? (White_Paper_China’s Legal Framework and?Measures for Counterterrorism_《中国的反恐怖主义法律制度体系与实践》白皮书_2024_01)?
?? 及时开展心理援助，抚慰社会公众情绪，减轻社会恐慌。?
Psychological assistance shall be provided in a timely manner to minimize social anxiety and panic.? (White_Paper_China's Nuclear Emergency Preparedness_《中国的核应急》_2016_01_27)
美方违背自身承诺，变本加厉武装台湾，给“台独”势力壮胆打气，妄图加速把台湾推向兵凶战危的险境。民进党当局买美国的武器纳“投名状”，美方抽台湾老百姓的血养肥自己的军工复合体。?
The US has reneged on its own promise and is intensifying efforts to arm Taiwan, emboldening the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces and pushing Taiwan closer towards the abyss of military conflict. The DPP authorities purchased weapons to solicit US support, allowing the US to exploit the hard-earned money of the people in Taiwan to feed its military-industrial complex.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)
Event quote:
正告民进党当局不要执迷不悟，“挟洋自重”没出路，及时回头才是岸。?
We sternly warn the DPP authorities not to stick to the wrong path and come back to the right course as soon as possible. Soliciting foreign support is a dead end.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分，中国终将统一，也必然统一。我们坚持以最大诚意、尽最大努力争取和平统一前景，但如果“台独”分裂势力挑衅逼迫甚至突破红线，我们将不得不采取断然措施。我们正告民进党当局，“挟洋自重”没有出路，“以武拒统”死路一条。我们将持续加强练兵备战，坚决捍卫国家主权和领土完整，坚定维护台海和平稳定。?
Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory. China will be and must be reunified. We will strive for the prospect of peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and utmost effort. However, should the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces make provocations or even cross our red lines, we will have to take decisive measures. We warn the DPP authorities that soliciting foreign support leads nowhere and resisting reunification by force is a dead end. The PLA will continue to enhance combat readiness and military training, take firm actions to safeguard our national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and preserve peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on July 25, 2024)?
?? 世界上只有一个中国，台湾是中国不可分割的一部分。中方一贯坚决反对美台开展任何形式的官方往来。美方应当切实恪守一个中国原则和中美三个联合公报规定，慎重、妥善处理涉台问题，停止美台官方往来，停止向“台独”分裂势力发出任何错误信号，不得以任何形式介入台湾地区选举。民进党当局“挟洋自重”、“倚美谋独”的图谋注定不会得逞。?
There is only one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. China firmly opposes the US having any form of official contact with the Taiwan region. The US needs to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and stipulations of the three China-US joint communiqués, prudently and properly handle Taiwan-related issues, stop official contact with the Taiwan region, stop sending wrong signals to “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and refrain from interfering in elections in the Taiwan region in any form. The DPP authorities’ attempt to solicit support from the US and other countries for “Taiwan independence” will not succeed.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on January 10, 2024)
Event quote:
中印双方通过外交和军事渠道，已就边境有关问题达成解决方案，双方一线部队正在有序推进落实工作。
?... China and India have reached resolutions on issues concerning the border areas through diplomatic and military channels. The troops on the ground of the two militaries are making progress in implementing the resolutions in a orderly manner.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 根据中印第十六轮军长级会谈达成的共识，双方位加南达坂一线部队近期同步有计划组织脱离接触。这是双方通过外交军事各层级磋商谈判解决有关边境事态取得的成果，有利于促进边境地区和平安宁。我们希望双方继续相向而行，从维护中印两国两军关系大局出发，严格遵守两国协定协议和达成的共识，保持沟通对话，有效管控分歧，共同维护边境地区安全稳定。?
According to the consensus reached in the 16th Round of China-India Corps Commander Level Meeting, the frontline troops of the two militaries in the area of Jianan Daban recently staged disengagement simultaneously. This is an outcome achieved by the two sides in resolving border issues through diplomatic and military consultations and negotiations at different levels, which is conducive to promoting peace and tranquility in the border areas. China hopes both sides will continue to work together in the same direction, bearing in mind the overall interest of the relations between the two countries and two militaries, strictly abide by the agreements and consensus reached by the two sides, maintain communication and dialogue, effectively manage differences, and jointly safeguard security and stability in border areas.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on September 29, 2022)?
Event quote:
会议以“推动新时代中非军事医学交流合作”为主题，围绕卫勤管理与创新、战创伤救治、区域传染病防控等内容，研究探讨加强中非军事医学务实合作、共同应对医疗卫生领域挑战的方法举措，共享中国军队卫生体系建设经验做法，为共筑新时代全天候中非命运共同体贡献积极力量。?
Under the theme of "Enhance China-Africa Military Medical Exchanges and Cooperation in the New Era", this year's conference covers topics including medical service management and innovation, war wounds and trauma treatment, and regional infectious diseases prevention and control. Chinese and African delegates will exchange views on strengthening practical cooperation on military medicine and jointly addressing challenges in medical health, share experience and practices on Chinese military health system, and contribute to jointly building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 论坛以“应对军事医学新挑战，开创中拉合作新篇章”为主题，涵盖智能化卫勤管理、战创伤救治体系及技术、特种医学研究新进展等议题，旨在深化中拉军事医学合作交流机制，加强与拉美和加勒比国家在军事医学科研、专家互访、人员培训等领域务实合作。?
Under the theme of "Meet New Military Medical Challenges and Open a New Era for China-Latin America Cooperation", the forum will cover a range of topics including smart health service administration, systems and technologies for military trauma treatment, and new progress in special medicine research. The forum will help build better mechanisms for China-LAC military medicine cooperation, and enhance practical cooperation on scientific research, mutual visits of experts and personnel training.? (Regular Press Conference of China's Ministry of National Defense on November 30, 2023)
Event quote:
美国向中国台湾地区出售武器，严重违反一个中国原则和中美三个联合公报规定，严重侵犯中国主权和安全利益，严重破坏中美关系、危害台海和平稳定，向“台独”分裂势力发出错误信号。中方强烈谴责、坚决反对，已向美方提出严正交涉。?
The US arms sales to China's Taiwan region severely violate the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués. This move seriously undermines China's sovereignty and security interests, disrupts China-US relations, undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, and sends very wrong signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. We strongly condemn and firmly oppose it and have lodged solemn representations to the US side.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 中方一贯坚决反对美方向中国台湾地区出售武器。日前，美方再次向中国台湾地区提供大额武器援助，严重违反一个中国原则和中美三个联合公报，特别是“八·一七”公报，严重干涉中国内政，严重损害中国主权和领土完整。?
China firmly opposes US arms sales to China’s Taiwan region. The US has, once again, provided China’s Taiwan region with huge military aid recently, which seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiqués, especially the August 17 Communiqué of 1982. Such sale seriously interferes in China’s internal affairs, and gravely undermines China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on October 11, 2024)?
?? 中方一贯坚决反对日本政治人物窜访中国台湾地区，这一立场是明确的。?
China is always firmly opposed to Japanese political figures visiting China’s Taiwan region. This position is crystal clear.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 27, 2024)?
?? 我们对日方同中国台湾地区开展海上联合训练强烈不满、坚决反对。我们敦促日方恪守一个中国原则和中日四个政治文件精神，立即纠正错误，不得以任何形式纵容支持“台独”分裂势力，不要给台海和平稳定和中日关系制造干扰。?
We are strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposed to Japan’s joint maritime exercise with China's Taiwan region. We urge the Japanese side to adhere to the "one-China" principle and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, correct its wrongdoing and do not support "Taiwan independence" separatist forces in any form, thus prevent undermining cross-Strait peace and stability and China-Japan relations.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on July 25, 2024)?
?? 针对美国众议长佩洛西不顾中方严正警告，执意窜访中国台湾地区，我们坚决斗争、坚定反制，有力打击美国反华分子和“台独”分裂势力气焰，充分彰显捍卫国家主权安全的坚定意志。?
In response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s provocative visit to the Taiwan region of China in disregard of China’s stern warnings, we have taken firm and resolute measures, which have strongly deterred anti-China elements in the United States and the “Taiwan independence” forces, and fully demonstrated our iron will in safeguarding national sovereignty and security.? (Wang_Yi_ Maintain a Global Vision, Forge Ahead with Greater Resolve and Write a New Chapter in Major Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics_2022_12_25)
Event quote:
近年来，互联网涉军舆论环境持续向上向好，许多自媒体账号关心热爱国防事业，主动讲好中国军队故事，成为网民了解国防和军队建设的重要渠道。但也有一些涉军自媒体账号漠视社会责任和行业规约，恶意关联地区热点、军事行动等，编造散布涉军虚假信息，收割网络流量，牟取不当利益。?
In recent years, online public opinion concerning the military has been more and more favorable. Many we-media accounts follow and support China’s national defense and share stories of the Chinese armed forces, which serve as important channels for internet users to understand and care about national defense and military development. However, some we-media accounts ignored social responsibilities and relevant regulations. They maliciously linked regional hot spots with military operations and made-up false information on the military to generate network traffic and rake in improper benefits.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on October 31, 2024)?
Previous PRC history of the term/l
?? 所谓“气象武器”的说法最先来自美国媒体，中国一些媒体和自媒体只是进行了援引和转载，不存在“炮制散布虚假信息”一说。?
The theory about “weather weapon” came from US media first. Some Chinese media outlets and we-media accounts did nothing more than citing or re-posting those reports. To say they “made up or spread disinformation” is completely unfounded.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 18, 2023)
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