CHINA> National
Changed and unchanged - the PLA 30 years
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-18 10:40


Clouds of smoke fill the air Tuesday, as tank crews do battle during the Vanguard 2008 military exercise in Zhumadian, Henan Province.
[China Daily] 

"The reform and opening-up brought about the rapid growth of China's economy and boosted the overall national strength, which laid a solid foundation for the building of national defense and army," he said. "As a result, the country can afford to raise the defense budget somewhat and help improve the life of army men."

"Simply speaking, we officers and soldiers are beneficiaries of the policy."

"Conceptual" changes

As peace and development became the major themes of the world, China has walked out of the shadow of "Cold War" long before and changed its strategic thoughts on army building -- disarmament was a typical example.

"We used to prepare for warfare anytime, but now, our role has changed," said Wang Qiangsheng, a battalion commander at the PLA Yunnan Military Area Command.

"For instance, as frontier defence troops, we're committed to safeguarding the border and creating a peace environment for local residents," he said.

Although it is compulsory for army men to obey orders, democratic management is beginning to take root in Chinese barracks.

"If soldiers have complaints or suggestions, they can talk to us officers directly or indirectly," said Wen Fangbing, a platoon leader at the PLA Guangxi Military Area Command, while pointing to a rectangle wooden box -- similar to a small mailbox -- hung on his dormitory door.

"It's called 'democracy box.' Soldiers can place their letters of complaints or suggestions into the box, which usually cover how to improve diet, sentry deployment, construction of sentry post and others," he said.

In some troops, senior officers also announced their e-mail addresses on the intranet that offered a modern channel for soldiers to file complaints.

The right to ask for a leave had long been ignored in Chinese army, however, the situation has changed over recent years.

"Young officers in the past were supposed not to ask for leave even if there was an emergency in his family. On the contrary, it's perfectly justified for them to do so today," said 47-year-old Zhang Xudong, director of the Political Department of the PLA Wenshan Military Area Command.

"The idea of 'putting people first' is being advocated in the army," he said. "That helps reassure the servicemen and stabilize the troops."