Beijing: In an unprecedented advisory, China’s navy has issued a stark warning to young officers and personnel regarding the potential dangers of online dating and virtual gambling. The navy emphasized that engaging in these activities could not only expose them to security threats but also jeopardize the integrity of the military.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy specifically addressed recruits born after 1990, who are increasingly seen as the “core of the army,” through a social media post emphasizing the importance of discretion.
The PLA Navy advised young soldiers to avoid revealing their military identity online, noting that they could be “extremely easy” targets for criminals. “Distinguish carefully and keep some distance when making friends online,” the post urged, adding that they should “never lose sight of your principles and make random friends with netizens.”
Additionally, the navy warned against engaging in virtual gambling, which is illegal in China. They equated gambling addiction to being “possessed by a demon”, cautioning that it could lead individuals into a “fall into an endless abyss” of debt.
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While China’s military strives to project an image of strength—demonstrated by military drills around democratically governed Taiwan and patrols in the South China Sea—President Xi Jinping has consistently highlighted internal challenges, including corruption and a lack of discipline.
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Xi has called for unwavering political loyalty from military personnel at all levels, emphasizing the necessity of the Chinese Communist Party’s “absolute leadership” over the PLA. During a military conference in June, he urged the armed forces to “uphold their core values, maintain purity, and strictly adhere to discipline.” He attributed internal issues to a deficiency in ideals and beliefs, urging senior officers to “introspect, engage in soul-searching reflections, and make earnest rectifications,” according to the official news agency Xinhua.
