China's armed forces have been told they can bypass a
significant section of the chain of command in order to respond
faster to emergencies and small-scale military conflicts.
Officers at regimental level have been told they can skip
divisional level leaders and report straight to provincial military
command or even to military area command under China's first-ever
published emergency response plan.
"This decision will improve the effectiveness of our military
bodies in facing emergencies involving national sovereignty and the
safety of life and property," an officer of the emergency response
office said, "the new emergency response plan gives priority to
people."
The plan also stipulates that the armed forces should
immediately release information on key incidents to the public.
"Releasing timely information to the public can avoid panic due
to rumors and irresponsible reporting," he said.
The plan, approved by the Central Military Commission, aims to
guide the Chinese People's Liberation Army and armed police in
handling emergencies in five areas: small-scale military conflicts;
local government assistance in safeguarding social stability;
terrorist incidents; disaster and public security emergencies.
Chinese troops frequently help local governments in emergency
and rescue operations in natural disasters, but no similar rules
and polices have been published before this plan.
"This emergency plan is also in line with the state's general
emergency response plan," the official added.
The State Council, or the cabinet, issued a general plan on
emergency response at the beginning of the year, aiming to regulate
the management and procedures in emergency incidents.
(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2006)