PLA leaps into era of new openness

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-07-29 06:59

About 90 foreign journalists toured a People's Liberation Army (PLA) division north of Beijing Tuesday, a move the military sees as reflecting its increasing openness to the world.

The visit followed an announcement last week by the Ministry of National Defense (MND) that it is launching a website, open to the public, to provide information about the military.

People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers attend a drill during a reporting trip to the Third Guard Division of PLA in Beijing July 28, 2009. [Agencies]

With 2.3 million servicemen and servicewomen - the most in the world - the PLA is trying to be more accessible, military officials say.

The event yesterday attracted reporters from 60 media outlets to the army's Third Guard Division, a motorized infantry force that safeguards the nation's capital. Another 17 domestic journalists joined the group.

"China is more and more open to the outside world, and so is the PLA," said Senior Colonel Leng Jiesong, who heads the Third Guard Division. "We are actively speeding up the process."

The journalists toured soldiers' dormitories, viewed a counterterrorism exercise involving a "hijacked" bus and watched target practice involving automatic weapons and rocket launchers.

They also interviewed soldiers.

Jia Dongsheng, in his seventh year with the military, was not shy in saying he wants to go home next year to Anhui province.

"When I was younger, I always wanted to become a soldier I've learned all sorts of stuff here in the military. I can use that to my advantage later," said the 26-year-old, standing as straight as a sword.

The tour was organized by the MND; Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials also attended the activity.

The event was held in advance of the 82nd anniversary of the founding of the PLA, on Aug 1, and the National Day parade Oct 1, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

China Daily-AP