Key points:
- The PLA Navy advised young soldiers against online dating and gambling, citing security risks and potential financial harm
- In a statement posted on social media, soldiers were cautioned to avoid revealing military identity online and making random online friends
- The advisory aligns with broader concerns in China's military over internal discipline and potential security threats from within
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy recently issued a public advisory to young military personnel – specifically addressing those born after 1990 – about the risks of online dating scams and virtual gambling.
In a statement on social media, the navy urged young officers and enlisted personnel to exercise caution when engaging online, warning that disclosing their military identity could make them vulnerable to security threats and criminal exploitation.
With young soldiers increasingly becoming the backbone of China’s armed forces, the advisory focused on the political and confidential nature of military service, emphasising that personnel should not reveal their identity online.
"Distinguish carefully and keep some distance when making friends online," the post advised, and further warned soldiers to "never lose sight of your principles" to avoid inadvertently befriending people with ulterior motives.
The warning also included a strong caution against virtual gambling, which is illegal in China. The advisory described gambling addiction as akin to being "possessed by a demon" and emphasised the dangers of falling into financial traps that could lead to severe debt.
This appeal aligns with President Xi Jinping's ongoing emphasis on discipline and political loyalty within the military.
The targeting of young soldiers in particular reflects concerns that this demographic may be more vulnerable to online scams and vices that could undermine the military's security.
In related news, China recently implemented heavier penalties for cross-border gambling. These penalties included fines of up to RMB800,000 ($112,637) and even life imprisonment for one case in the Zhejiang province.
