Foreign Correspondence

[Amaunet]

China's army eyes Internet as wartime tool



Beijing, China, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- China is exploring how the Internet could be used to instill patriotism and to mobilize people in the event of war, an official army publication says.

A commentary in the National Defense Daily Monday said the government must bring "the thoughts of the people in line with the will of the country" in times of war, using the Internet, radio broadcasts, television and the press, the South China Morning Post reported Tuesday.

The article said the government needed to use innovative methods to instill patriotism and an awareness of the need to defend the country, even in peacetime.

The commentary warned that people's values and perceptions were becoming more diverse, and said the government had to consider the increased mobility of the population and "the growing awareness of democracy" in society.

Research into the public's psychological state should be stepped up and education in national defense strengthened "so that the will of the people can stand the trials of wars and other risks," the article said.

http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20041123-055245-1249r.htm