China Changes Rules on Military Secrets
NewsweekFeb 09
China Changes Rules on Publishing Military Secrets Online
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Above: Members of the Chinese military carry China's national flag during the opening ceremony of the Harbin 2025 Asian Winter Games on Feb. 7, 2025. Image copyright: Issei Kato/Contributor/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
China this week introduced comprehensive regulations governing the online sharing of military information. Issued jointly by 10 government departments, including the Cyberspace Administration and Central Military Commission, the new rules are set to take effect March 1.
The regulations prohibit disseminating undisclosed information about weapon systems, military facilities, organizational structures, and troop movements, and require strict verification for military-themed content providers.
Content producers must also undergo identity authentication, display special identification markers, and are forbidden from unauthorized use of military-related terms — like "People's Liberation Army," "armed forces," or "military industry" — or branding in their accounts.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
These regulations represent a crucial step toward promoting the rule of law in cyberspace and protecting military secrets, while creating a positive online environment that supports the PLA's development goals and maintains national security.
Anti-China narrative
These sweeping regulations will significantly reduce transparency around the world's largest military force, making it harder for foreign observers to monitor China's military developments and potentially obscuring important intelligence sources that have historically provided valuable insights into PLA capabilities.
