Bianjie

[journey]

Defence minister puts forward a bill to modernise the Armed Forces
20 April 5642



GEMUN: During the annual report by the State Council debated before the Khanate Yuan, defence minister Tayiji Piao has announced that his ministry will put forward a bill aimed at the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Bianjie (also known as the Befugun). Piao said that the "ongoing instability in the world" and "partially even at home", possibly hinting at the Xsampa's operation to detain and trial Maria Kadiyot, grew concerns and insecurity amongst the citizens and high command, rising a question of making Guntai to go in time with other developed nations.

The bill, unveiled by the minister Piao on a press conference at Namušun's Hungkerembi Naval Base on Friday, is a somewhat sweeping legislative package which intends to reform the structure of the forces, its doctrine and the recruitment process by the 5647. Piao described the bill as the "once-in-a-generation" transformation to make Befugun "smarter and more adapt to the threats of the current century".

Key points in the bill include reform of the draft/conscription process. Defence ministry proposes a "semi-mandatory" conscription, that is all citizens reaching the age of 18 and above that must serve at least a year in the Armed Forces, a branch of their choice, or study in a military academy for two years. Piao says this is not a forceful militarisation of the nation, but rather the "preparation for any kind of scenario". The bill includes a proposal for the creation of the Joint Defence Council of the three main branches of Befugun, led by the Chief of Defence Staff, rotated amongst the chiefs of staff of the three branches for a 3-year-term. Additionally, there will be an increase in the funding of the defence ministry, and thus armed forces, with the major additional funding being distributed to the modernisation of the equipment, logistics and other non-disclosed points.

While the bill seems to be widely accepted amongst majority of the citizens, political pushback this time came not from the opposition, but actually the government benches. Progressive Communist Party says it expects stronger social protections and equity safeguards for conscripts from rural or minority communities, while New Dawn criticised the revival of conscription, saying and warning the government that it may "reignite mistrust in the government among the youth". The bill is scheduled for first reading in the Khanate Yuan on 12 May, with a full committee review expected by early summer. If passed, phased implementation will begin in September.



毎日急行 (Daily Express) is a major daily newspaper based in the city of Namušun, Khani Province.