PLA launches new loyalty campaign for servicemen

BEIJING: China's 2.3 million-strong military has kicked off a year-long education campaign for soldiers and officers to strengthen their loyalty and support for the ruling Communist Party of China and President Xi Jinping.

Through the campaign launched by People's Liberation Army (PLA), all soldiers and officers are expected to reinforce "their confidence on the path, theory and system of socialism with Chinese characteristics" and raise their trust and support for the CPC and President Xi, a PLA statement said.

The campaign was endorsed by Xi who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), the highest governing body of the Chinese military, it said.

Party members in the armed forces are required to attend at least one workshop in the first half of this year and write reports on how to improve their political awareness and military skills, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Non-CPC members should also work out plans to improve themselves, the statement said.