PEKING -- The Peoples Liberation Army announced Tuesday that all enlisted men will have to swear allegiance to the Communist Party in a move that was seen as an attempt to control restive elements in the military.
The official press said all new recruits and men already enlisted will have to pledge to 'firmly support the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and the government of the Peoples Republic of China.'
They also will promise to 'act in accordance with the line, principles and policies of the Communist Party.'
Anaylsts said the order indicated there was a measure of discontent in the 4 million-strong armed forces that party officials wanted to control.
The oath also calls on the soldiers to obey law and military orders, train to increase combat efficiency, care for military equipment, keep military secrets and 'sacrifice everything, fight heroically and win victory for the cause of safeguarding the motherland and its program of modernization.'
