VISIT TO CHINA—IV People’s Liberation Army Has No Conscripts

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30899, 4 November 1965, Page 20

VISIT TO CHINA—IV People’s Liberation Army Has No Conscripts

{Specially written for “The Press” by

C. V. WALTER,

who recently spent five weeks in China visiting Canton. Peking. Shanphai

X'angchuw, Changsha and several

rural districts.J

On the day of a visit to a unit of the People’s Liberation Army of China it was a case of feet on the floor at 6.15 a.m. for an early start by car, as the unit was stationed a considerable distance from Peking. Not only was the paved road in excellent condition for the whole journey, but it was also lined on either side by trees which had been planted soon after 1949.

This picturesque avenue was flanked by fields which stretched into a hazy horizon, and which were intensively cultivated beyond the range of one’s vision.

Everywhere there were the people, friendly people who laughed and waved, groups of young pioneers of both sexes who swung along in a manner both casual and disciplined, often enough singing lustily, cyclists who regarded motor vehicles as second-class citizens with minor rights, and peasants whose consultations in their fertile surroundings seemed as numerous and no doubt as important as their labours. Perhaps, like the farmers of New Zealand, they were abusing the weather, which was very hot. The sun blazed upon the whole scene from a naked sky. Our destination produced the same cordial and hospitable welcome which greets visitors to China wherever they go. Cigarettes, green tea, beer, wine and that fiery destroyer of the faculties, maotia, were offered generously and accepted with caution. We inspected the armoury and the social room, and we noted that ’ the sleeping quarters were the same for all army men.

An exhibition room illustrated some aspects of the history of this unit, which has been involved in considerable activity against the Japanese, both before and during the Second World War and against the forces of the Kuomintang. War’s grim content was emphasised by the claim that this unit had killed over 38,000 men in battle during the course of its history. The exhibition room was obviously a part of the unit’s educational programme. It gave considerable prominence to the Government’s insistence upon the unity of the army and the people, stressing the importance of courtesy, kindness, honesty and unselfishness on the part of all soldiers at all times, and especially in their relationship with the civilian population. Helpful Army The army is expected to serve the people, and throughout China it renders invaluable assistance on the land to the peasants. This unit also possessed land, which it cul-

tivated for its own needs, and for its food requirements it was almost self-supporting. In the cities many soldiers are to be seen, most of them appearing to be on leave, and their behaviour is excellent. Various setions of the unit I gave demonstrations of | aspects of their training. These involved artillery operations, parade ground marching, grenade-throwing, bayonet drill, transport procedure over difficult terrain, and shooting on the range. In the unit’s theatre a performance by the song and drama group was of professional standard in its quality. Most of the items had a political or social content, and all had been composed or written bv members of the unit. There were many humorous sketches in this programme of more than an hour’s duration, and it concluded with tributes to the barbers and the cooks. Homage to the culinary arts was the medium used to remind the guests that it was lunch time, and that they were invited to dine. The timing was accurate. The Chinese make no secret of the fact that their army is what they call a political army, that it was the product of struggle against oppression and invasion, that its mission is to continue to stand as sentinel against oppression and invasion, that it is militarily weak without the firm support of the people, and that its unity and morale as a people’s army depend, among other factors, upon comradeship among all its members. No Officer Caste Hence there has been a complete abolition of officers’ ranks, such as brigader, colonel, lieutenant-colonel, major, captain, lieutenant and second-lieutenant. All members wear the same uniform, without distinguishing badges or flashes of any kind. In the place of the officer caste are section leaders, platoon leaders, company leaders, battalion leaders, regimental leaders and divisional leaders. These leaders can be coached and their errors corrected by any of the soldiers who are subject to their command. Moreover, they are obliged to spend a certain period each year in the ranks as the equivalent of our private soldier. This obligation extends as far as the rank which we designate as general. Once again the words of Tang Ming-chao whispered in

the ear "We do not believe in punishment It is useless to punish people." In the P.L.A. there are no punishments! There is no confinement to barracks, no pack drill, no fatigues, no court-martials, no imprisonment, none of the requirements which Colonel Blimp finds so necessary to discipline, or what he conceives discipline to be. What of the soldier who fails to discharge all his responsibilities and duties, or behaves in a manner which is inconsistent with the tradition and reputation of the P.L.A.? Discussions are held with him by his fellow soldiers and his unit leaders. "If these discussions are not immediately productive of improvement, we are prepared to continue them indefinitely.” It seems that few discussions are necessary, and protracted discussions extremely rare—because there is no conscription in China. Many Volunteers There is no conscription because the number of volunteers greatly exceeds the army intake that the question has not arisen, and the army is able to be selective. It is considered an honour to serve in the P.L.A., and we were told that this is a major factor in the high morale and strong self-discipline of its members, who are conscious of its traditions. Its background is that of an army with deep roots in the people, an army which has suffered great hardships in the past and which has had to overcome the opposition of Japanese and Kuomintang armies vastly superior in equipment but greatly inferior in morale. Once again the Chinese contention that people are more important than machines is made manifest, and it seems that this contention is basic in Chinese military strategy. The years of active service are from 18 to 45, and those who are accepted serve for four years in the army, five years in the air force, and six years in the navy. On completion of such service, a serviceman may enlist for a second term, but he is unlikely to be accepted unless he possesses special qualifications of unusual value. The Government encourages people to return to civilian life.

Members of the army are not highly paid, but all’their daily needs are provided for them, with the result that

most of them save money. They receive the same holidays as civilians. China's armed strength is supplemented by the growth of her people's militia. This takes the form of military training of civilians of both sexes, and such groups are a common sight on the outskirts of any city or in the rural areas. This movement is also voluntary, but it appears to involve a very large number of people, who are armed and have access to arms. This development poses an awkward question for those who brand China as a totalitarian state. Does an allegedly oppressive government dare to arm its people? No such government has done so yet in human history. The Chinese are aware of the fact that they have been accused in certain quarters of being agrressive. They point out that they have no military units in any country beyond the borders of China, a situation which does not applv to certain of their accusers. They 1 also draw attention to the fact that there have been and I still are people in some posijtions of influence who have called for an armed attack on China.

They consider it necessary to take some notice of such hysterical outbursts in the present world situation, and therefore to be in a position to defend themselves. They also possess a staunch belief in the good sense and good will of the common people of all countries, and it is their fervent hope that this will be a decisive factor in preventing the outbreak of a third major war. Their belief in their way of life has bred confidence and optimism, and it is absurd to suggest that they are oppressed and down trodden.