The state-run Global Times on January 2, 2016, publicised that China's Central Military Commission (CMC) had released a guideline on deepening national defense and military reform on New Years Day. It noted that a day earlier, the CMC had announced establishment of the General Command of Army, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force and the PLA Strategic Support Force. The Global Times article made a few interesting observations: (i) "China’s national interests and current international situation are constantly changing, so is the task of the Chinese army. Hence, the PLA and relevant mechanisms have to be adjusted accordingly to keep up with the pace of China’s rise"; (ii) "The task that confronts China’s armed forces is arduous and more than just safeguarding the nation’s maritime and land territories. As China’s international cooperation grows, more Chinese enterprises go global and the country embraces greater responsibility to maintain regional and world peace, a strong Chinese army is needed"; (iii) "China must have a strong military...China doesn’t need to worry about military aggression. But there is more about national security....During China's rise, friction with the US has gone beyond broad geopolitics. If China has a big gap with the US in terms of military prowess, this will affect its international position and other countries' attitude toward China"; (iv) "With a strong army, China can be more politically appealing, influential and persuasive, and will make it easier to network. As we gain more trust from other countries, many of them will no longer be dependent on the US for security and on China for economic benefits"; (v) "Moreover, our military strength has to be demonstrated to the world. The army needs to be able to fight battles and provide real deterrence. The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting; (vi) When the reform succeeds, it will benefit not only China but the whole world".