China's New Internet Rules Tighten Control Over Online Military Content

China's New Rules on Sharing Military Information Online: What You Need to Know

Starting 1 March 2025, China is rolling out fresh regulations to oversee how military-related content is shared on the internet. These rules, officially titled the "Administrative Measures for the Dissemination of Military Information on the Internet," are a collaborative effort by ten government bodies, including the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Central Military Commission's Political Work Department.

The primary goal? To tighten control over military content online, ensuring it aligns with national security interests and the government's narrative.

关于印发《互联网军事信息传播管理办法》的通知_中央网络安全和信息化委员会办公室

What's Encouraged: Promoting the Official Line

The new regulations are clear about the type of content they want to see more of. Online platforms and users are urged to produce and share information that:

• Highlights Leadership Decisions: Content that publicises the decisions and strategies of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Central Military Commission (CMC).
• Celebrates Military Heritage: Posts that promote the "glorious history and fine traditions" of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
• Showcases Modernisation Efforts: Articles and videos reflecting achievements in national defence and military modernisation.
• Global Contributions: Stories that highlight the positive role of the Chinese military in global peace initiatives.
• Supports Military Operations: Narratives that emphasise the legitimacy and justice of military actions, along with tales of heroism and sacrifice by military personnel.

By promoting such content, the regulations aim to foster a positive online environment that bolsters the image of China's military and its endeavours.

What's Prohibited: Drawing Clear Lines

On the flip side, the regulations set strict boundaries on what cannot be shared. Prohibited content includes:

• Threats to Sovereignty: Information that jeopardises national sovereignty, security, or territorial integrity.
• Challenges to Party Leadership: Content that defames the CPC's absolute leadership over the military or questions the authority of the CMC chairperson.
• Historical Distortions: Posts that twist or deny the history of the PLA or belittle the deeds and spirit of national heroes and martyrs.
• Divisive Narratives: Material that sows discord between the military and the government or the broader populace.
• Policy Attacks: Critiques that undermine China's defence policies or misinterpret international military collaborations.
• Misrepresentation of Operations: False portrayals of non-war military actions, such as evacuations, peacekeeping missions, or disaster relief efforts.

Additionally, there's a strong emphasis on safeguarding classified information. The dissemination of military secrets, defence technology details, or any unpublished data related to military activities is strictly forbidden. This includes specifics about troop movements, weapon development, and strategic deployments.

The Bigger Picture: Why Now?

These regulations aren't emerging in a vacuum. They reflect China's ongoing efforts to modernise its military and control the narrative surrounding its defence activities. By tightening the reins on military-related content, the government aims to prevent leaks of sensitive information and curb the spread of misinformation that could undermine public trust or national security.

Moreover, the involvement of multiple high-level bodies in drafting these rules clarifies the importance Beijing places on information security and military-civil integration. As China's global influence grows, so does its desire to manage how its military is perceived both domestically and internationally.

For content creators, platform operators, and everyday users in China, these regulations signal a need for heightened awareness and caution when discussing military topics online. Sharing content that aligns with the encouraged categories can proceed, but stepping into prohibited territory could lead to serious repercussions.

As the 1 March implementation date approaches, online platforms are likely ramping up their monitoring and moderation efforts to comply with the new rules. Users, too, will need to navigate these guidelines carefully to ensure their content aligns with the state's directives.