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- Mar 3, 2021
Compulsory conscription and requisition of private property now have a legal basis. The *National Defense Mobilization Law of the People's Republic of China* was revised and passed on August 28, 2026, effective from October 1, 2026—this is a wartime national defense law.
In principle, male citizens aged 18–60 and female citizens aged 18–55 shall undertake national defense duties (personnel with special expertise are not subject to age restrictions) (Article 58).
Requisition of civilian resources: Any organization or individual has the obligation to accept the legal requisition of civilian resources (Article 64).
For citizens: Refusing/delaying the provision of statistical data, failing to report for duty or refusing to comply with conscription/duties, refusing or delaying requisition or obstructing transformation, fabricating and disseminating false mobilization information to disrupt order, etc., shall be ordered by the county-level people's government to make corrections within a time limit; if not corrected after the deadline, compulsory fulfillment of obligations (Article 78).
For enterprises, institutions, and social organizations: Similar circumstances as above, as well as failing to implement national defense requirements in construction as stipulated, failing to reserve strategic materials as required or refusing to comply with mobilization, failing to reserve military product capacity as required, refusing or delaying military procurement, refusing or delaying specialized support tasks, obstructing citizens from fulfilling obligations, etc., shall be ordered to make corrections within a time limit; if not corrected after the deadline, compulsory fulfillment, and fines may be imposed (Article 79).
In principle, male citizens aged 18–60 and female citizens aged 18–55 shall undertake national defense duties (personnel with special expertise are not subject to age restrictions) (Article 58).
Requisition of civilian resources: Any organization or individual has the obligation to accept the legal requisition of civilian resources (Article 64).
For citizens: Refusing/delaying the provision of statistical data, failing to report for duty or refusing to comply with conscription/duties, refusing or delaying requisition or obstructing transformation, fabricating and disseminating false mobilization information to disrupt order, etc., shall be ordered by the county-level people's government to make corrections within a time limit; if not corrected after the deadline, compulsory fulfillment of obligations (Article 78).
For enterprises, institutions, and social organizations: Similar circumstances as above, as well as failing to implement national defense requirements in construction as stipulated, failing to reserve strategic materials as required or refusing to comply with mobilization, failing to reserve military product capacity as required, refusing or delaying military procurement, refusing or delaying specialized support tasks, obstructing citizens from fulfilling obligations, etc., shall be ordered to make corrections within a time limit; if not corrected after the deadline, compulsory fulfillment, and fines may be imposed (Article 79).
- The X post by @5xyxh summarizes China's newly revised National Defense Mobilization Law, passed August 28, 2026 and effective October 1, 2026, which formalizes broad citizen defense duties for ages 18-60 (men) and 18-55 (women) plus mandatory civilian resource requisition by government.
- It highlights legal penalties for individuals and organizations refusing conscription, resource provision, or related obligations, framing the changes as enabling wartime powers.
- The revision updates the 2010 law to align with current military strategy, adding provisions for emerging technologies, strategic material reserves, and rapid civilian-to-defense conversion amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Grok
China Passes Major Revision to National Defense Mobilization Law
China’s National Defense Mobilization Law was revised and passed on August 28, 2026, marking the first major overhaul in 16 years. The law will take effect October 1, 2026
Purpose and Scope
The revision aims to modernize and strengthen China’s defense mobilization system to better align with contemporary national security and defense needs. It clarifies the functions and responsibilities of military and civilian authorities, streamlines coordination between the military and local governments, and improves the system’s ability to rapidly convert civilian industrial, technological, and human resources into military capabilities during emergencies
Key Provisions
- Definition of National Defense Mobilization: For the first time, the law formally defines it as measures taken by the state in accordance with the law when national sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, security, or development interests are threatened, enabling a rapid transition from peacetime to wartime and converting economic and social capabilities into defense capabilities
- Resource Mobilization: Explicitly allows the use of industrial production capacity, transportation, technology, and personnel normally used for civilian purposes in wartime
- Leadership and Strategy: Mobilization must uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China and implement President Xi Jinping’s thinking on strengthening the military, China’s holistic national security concept, and its military strategy for the new era
- Advanced Technology Integration: A new clause promotes the application of advanced technologies (e.g., AI, drones, robotics, satellite communications) in mobilization and develops capabilities in emerging fields
- Organizational Structure: Clarifies that local governments at or above the county level and military organs handle mobilization duties according to their responsibilities, with national and local defense mobilization commissions overseeing organization, leadership, and coordination
Legislative Context
The law was adopted during the 24th session of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress and signed into law by President Xi JinpingThe State Council of the People's Republic of China. It replaces the original 2010 version, which took effect on July 1, 2010
Strategic Implications
The revision reflects China’s push to modernize its defense readiness, integrate cutting-edge technologies into mobilization, and ensure seamless coordination between civilian and military sectors. It is part of broader reforms to strengthen national security institutions and prepare for evolving warfare trends. Copilot