China adopts new law to speed shift from peace to wartime footing

China is preparing a mobilisation framework that will become active in October, enabling a rapid transition from peacetime to wartime operations. Under the new statute, the government can seize civilian cars, infrastructure facilities and power equipment for military use, obliging individuals, domestic firms and potentially foreign companies active in China to cooperate. The rules extend to advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics and unmanned aerial systems, and mandate the creation of reserves of strategic resources like rare-earth metals.

State agencies will also collect data on production capabilities that could be repurposed for conflict. The timing coincides with Xi Jinping's visit to the United States, where he met Donald Trump, and comes amid escalating military activity around Taiwan, including recent Chinese aircraft and naval deployments.