Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping recently signed an order to release the “Military Theoretical Work Regulations,” which will take effect on March 1, 2026.

The Regulations adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping’s thinking on strengthening the military, thoroughly implement the military strategic guidelines for the new era, focus on accelerating the modernization of military theory, optimize the top-level design for military theoretical innovation, improve the research model for military theory, strengthen the transformation and application of military theory, build a modern military theoretical system with Chinese characteristics, and scientifically standardize the basic requirements and institutional arrangements for military theoretical work on the new journey in the new era. They serve as an important legal basis for carrying out military theoretical work.

The Regulations consist of 7 chapters and 52 articles. In accordance with the general principle of the Central Military Commission overseeing the overall situation, the theater commands focusing on warfighting, and the services focusing on development, they standardize and clarify the management system for military theoretical work. Based on the strategic planning system of the military in the new era, they clarify the main content and formulation and release procedures for military theoretical development strategies, construction plans, and annual plans. Emphasizing a combination of centralized control and delegated management with classified oversight, they provide systematic regulations for the entire management process of military theoretical projects, including project initiation, proposal, implementation, verification, and acceptance. Aiming to provide scientific theoretical support and guidance for the practice of strengthening the military, they specify measures and requirements for the registration and sharing, evaluation and recognition, promotion and application, and retrospective assessment of military theoretical achievements. The release and implementation of the Regulations provide a legal guarantee for promoting the high-quality development of military theoretical work.

Central Military Commission

The Central Military Commission (CMC) is the highest national defense organization in China, commanding the country’s armed forces. It was established by the Communist Party of China and is enshrined in the state constitution, with its origins tracing back to revolutionary military leadership structures formed in the early 20th century. Today, it operates under the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of China, ensuring the military’s loyalty and its role in safeguarding national sovereignty and security.

Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era

“Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” is a guiding ideology for China’s development, established as a key component of the Communist Party of China’s theoretical framework at its 19th National Congress in 2017. It represents the latest achievement in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, providing a fundamental guideline for realizing the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation in the current era.

Military Theoretical Work Regulations

“Military Theoretical Work Regulations” is not a specific place or cultural site, but rather a set of doctrinal guidelines or manuals within a military. Historically, such regulations in various countries have been developed to standardize the study, development, and application of military theory, shaping strategy and officer education since at least the 19th century.