China’s revised National Defense Mobilization Law has come into force, establishing a framework to make it easier to mobilise private-sector infrastructure, technology and other resources for military purposes. Foreign-affiliated companies, including Japanese companies, are also expected to be covered, and experts have offered views on possible corporate responses.
China’s revised National Defense Mobilization Law came into force on the 1st, introducing changes intended to make it easier to mobilise private-sector resources for military purposes in an emergency. The law’s implementation means that the mobilisation of resources such as private-sector infrastructure and technology is expected to become a realistic measure.
Foreign-affiliated companies, including Japanese companies, are also expected to be covered by the law, with its impact on Japanese companies and specific responses treated as the focus of this reporting.
Issues raised in expert comments concerning the law’s application include the risk of being caught between the responses of Japan and the United States. Articles 13 and 63 of the National Defense Mobilization Law have also been highlighted. These provisions are said to address national considerations such as sovereignty, unification, territorial integrity, security and development interests, as well as issues concerning the military use of private-sector resources.
The article presents expert views on the potential impact facing Japanese companies and the responses companies should take.