China's peace commitment unchanged after military overhaul

China's plan to reorganise the current military administration structure and command system, will not affect the country's peace commitment and defence policy, an official said on Friday.

Defence ministry spokesman Yang Yujun said, "Chinese armed forces will always be a staunch force to safeguard world peace and regional stability."

President Xi Jinping announced on Thursday that all China's armed forces will be supervised and controlled by the top military organ, the Central Military Commission (CMC), the Global Times reported.

President Xi said that the structure should be created to give the CMC authority over both the administration and command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

It will restructure its military regions. China has seven military area commands in Beijing, Nanjing, Chengdu, Jinan, Shenyang, Lanzhou and Guangzhou.

Under the CMC's leadership, the area commands will focus on engagement, while the PLA army, navy and air force will focus on developing their respective force. The structural reform aims to better integrate the command over the PLA.

The reform will establish a three-tier "CMC - battle zone commands - troops" command system and an administration system that runs from CMC through various services to the troops.

The current regional military commands will be regrouped into new battle zone commands under the CMC.

Xi's announcement in September that the military would cut 300,000 troops "has again demonstrated China's resolve to pursue a path of peaceful development," Yang added.