Beijing’s focus on enhancing its technological capacity has been a key aspect of the Chinese dictatorship, led by Xi Jinping since 2013. In recent years, this effort has been directed at improving information collection and surveillance, especially in countries viewed as threats to Beijing. To achieve this goal, a new sector within the Army called the Information Support Force has been established to develop China’s cyber capabilities.
This investment in cyber capabilities is aimed at increasing security in modern warfare and has been described as an important decision made by the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. The creation of this force is part of a major military restructuring in China and will report directly to the Central Military Commission, which is headed by Xi Jinping. This new cyber force is seen as a strategic step towards establishing a new system of services and weapons and improving the structure of China’s modern military force.
The Information Support Force will be led by key generals from the Strategic Support Force, which has been responsible for space, cyber, electronic, and psychological warfare since 2015. Despite accusations from countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and New Zealand about Beijing’s involvement in malicious cyber activities, China continues to invest heavily in its cyber capabilities for strategic purposes. The government insists that its commitment to fighting against cyber threats is international and refuses to acknowledge any allegations regarding its actions.
