China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has implemented a new
regulation to strengthen the influence of the Communist Party
within its ranks.
A circular issued by the PLA's General Political Department on
Tuesday requires military and armed police personnel to study and
implement the regulation on the work of the Communist Youth League
of China (CYLC) in the PLA.
"We should guard against weakening of the League's role in the
PLA," says the circular.
According to the regulation, the fundamental aim of CYLC
organizations in the army is to train high-quality young army men
with ideals, a strong moral character, advanced knowledge and a
strong sense of discipline and strengthen the Party's influence
among young army men.
The circular says that in implementing the regulation, approved
by the Central Military Commission, efforts should be made to
enhance the enthusiasm and creativity of young CYLC members in the
army to conform to China's military reform.
The CYLC, which is under the direct leadership of the Communist
Party of China, is considered to be the Party's "assistant" and
"backup". The League had 72 million members at the end of last
year, of which 49 percent were students.
(Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2007)