China begins enforcing revised national defense mobilization law covering drones and AI
4▲0 ▼0Impact / 5
China began enforcing its revised national defense mobilization law today, October 1, setting out procedures for the transition from peacetime to wartime and adding advanced civilian technologies, which are expected to include drones and artificial intelligence, or AI, amid scrutiny over possible links to Taiwan. Kyodo News reported that the law first took effect in 2010, allowing the government to take control of civilian infrastructure and other resources for military use if prepared strategic reserves fall short of demand. The law also requires organizations and individuals to comply with official orders, and is expected to cover foreign private companies operating in China as well. In its first amendment in 16 years, the law added data and software to the list of emergency items that must be stockpiled, in addition to facilities and materials. At the same time, Chinese authorities will inspect military supply chains during peacetime and strengthen their ability to cope with supply chain risks and disruptions. The amendment has raised concerns that it could lower the threshold for China's war preparations. However, Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said at a press conference in late September that the law is no different from national defense mobilization laws enforced in many countries, and warned that it should not be overinterpreted. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the possibility of using force to take control of the self-governed island.