CRI听力:Online Blue Army Defensive in Nature

China's Defense Ministry has revealed that the People's Liberation Army has established an "online blue army" to better safeguard the Internet security of the armed forces.

A Chinese navy expert says the Internet squad is defensive in nature but will also be prepared for cyber attacks in case of war.

Shuang Feng has more.

The PLA Daily reported earlier the PLA's Guangzhou command had invested tens of millions of yuan in building the specialized Internet squad, which is formed by some 30 Internet professionals selected from within the army.

The term "blue army" is used unusually to represent the enemy troops during exercises by the PLA.

Defense Ministry spokesperson Geng Yansheng admits the Chinese side is still relatively weak in Internet security protection.

"Internet security has become an international concern, affecting both civil and military areas. China is a victim of cyber attacks and is still relatively weak in Internet security protection. Increasing the ability to safeguard Internet security is an important exercise for the military and 'the online blue army' of the PLA was established to better safeguard Internet security of the armed forces."

Rear Admiral Yin Zhuo says the team is built to strengthen cyber protection and be prepared in case of war.

"In peaceful times, the 'online blue army' will help improve our defense capabilities, but in case of cyber attacks in wartime, we will undoubtedly fight back with our cyber attacks. But that happens only during the war. It's unfriendly and illegal to launch cyber attacks against other countries in peaceful times. The Chinese government will never do that."

The expert also says the 'online blue army' will be an effective way in military training by simulating possible cyer attacks.

"The blue team simulates possible cyber attacks, virus attacks and intrusion from other countries, so that we can find good counter-measures. In this regard, it is a very effective way to train the armed forces."

For CRI, this is Shuang Feng.