PLA Daily 2005-09-19

　　To build a thrift society is the inescapable heavy responsibility of the government, and yet it is a matter not only involves the government. It is also the bounden duty of every citizen in China.

　　The officers and men of the army should likewise do their share of the job in building a thrift society and made positive contributions to this end. To do a good job in resource saving has a far-reaching significance and great bearing on boosting the military changes with Chinese characteristics. The global revolution in military affairs is still in full swing with no signs of slowing down and thereby needs high-intensity resource backup. At present, the annual per capita military expenditure for the active military personnel in the major developed countries is above US$150,000. Although every country is increasing input in this regard, the demand of new military changes on capital is on the increase by geometric progression. So insufficient outlay is a problem shared by all countries. As a result, to secure resources by way of economization and to tap the structure for efficiency have naturally become the most practical options. For this purpose, many western countries have mapped out and implemented plans of resources saving and structure adjustment.

　　By contrast, the annual per capita military expenditure of China is even lower and stands at US$11,000 in 2004, far below the US$15,000 to US$20,000 level required for setting off the military changes. Given the low material and technical starting point of the military changes in China and the dual development objectives of realizing mechanization and informationization, we need much more resources input. However, China is in the process of building a well-off society and the responsibilities for development are extremely arduous. Under such circumstances, it is infeasible to rely on high intensity fiscal input from the government to meet all the material and technical conditions required by the military changes. For this reason, it is an important approach and practical option for the army to secure resources by way of economization and to tap structure for efficiency in the drive of military modernization. Only by constantly improving the efficiency in the constructions of national defense and the armed forces, do more work with less money or input, and make good use of the limited resources and outlay, can we boost the military changes and ensure the smooth fulfillment of the lofty missions entrusted by the new century and the new historical stage. We are obliged to comprehend fully the extremely important, realistic and pressing nature of stepping up the building of a resources saving society in China.

　　By Wang Fa'an and Yu Chunguang