China Announces Formation of a New Cyber Military Force

China has announced the formation of a new cyber military force to enhance its ability to "conduct" and "win" wars. Defense Ministry spokesman Wu Qian indicated that the "Information Support Force" would provide "essential support for the coordinated development and application of information network systems." In recent years, China has spent billions of dollars to develop and modernize its armed forces amid rising tensions with the United States and other regional countries. The spokesman pointed out that the "new cyber force represents a strategic step towards establishing a new system of services and weapons and improving the structure of China's modern military." No details were disclosed about its role, only that it "carries a major responsibility in developing high-quality growth and the capability to conduct modern wars and win them."