Communist China Readies New Tactic: ‘Non-War Military Actions’

Beijing is, among other things, testing America and the West.

AP/Danial Hakim
China's defense minister, General Wei Fenghe, during the 19th International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-la Dialogue, June 12, 2022. AP/Danial Hakim

“There was never an open declaration of war between China and Japan,” Ralph Townsend wrote in his “Asia Answers,” of 1936. “That part of the world makes a specialty of undeclared wars.” Little appears to have changed since Townsend’s time, for Beijing yesterday issued an order that outlines permissible “non-war military actions” that will govern the People’s Liberation Army. The order takes effect tomorrow. 

Have an account? Log In

To continue reading, please select:

Limited Access

Enter your email to read for FREE

Get 1 FREE article

Continue with
or
Unlimited Access

Join the Sun for a PENNY A DAY

$0.01/day for 60 days

Cancel anytime

100% ad free experience

Unlimited article and commenting access

Full annual dues ($120) billed after 60 days

By continuing you agree to our
Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Advertisement
The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use