ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that it is inaccurate to posit a clear-cut distinction between civil and military institutions in the People's Republic of China. As a normative prescription for civilian control of the military, Mao Zedong's statement sets forth a philosophy with which few will disagree. The particular manner in which the Chinese military grew and developed in relation to the Chinese Communist Party and, to the state apparatus has rendered the boundaries among them quite porous. The organizational intertwining of Party and military is further ensured by the Party network within the military. The People's Republic of China, military units played important roles in the various agrarian reform and mass mobilization movements, set up state farms, dug irrigation ditches, repaired farm machinery, established and managed factories and other industrial enterprises, and helped to restore the nation's rail system. The Cultural Affairs Division of the People's Liberation Army General Political Department includes artists, dance troupes, poets, novelists, playwrights, and movie producers.
