|
|
China increases soldiers' food subsidy |
 |
+ |
- |
19:36, July 05, 2007 |
China has decided to increase the food subsidy of its soldiery by 10 percent to 11 yuan per day (1.45 U.S. dollars) per person from 10 yuan backdated to January 1, 2007, a senior PLA official announced here on Thursday.
"The rise will help offset the impact of price hikes and improve food for soldiers, as military training demands a lot of energy and a strong body," said Liao Xilong, director of the General Logistics Department of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
The Chinese central government and the top military authority wanted soldiers to see the effects of the country's booming economy and improved living standards in their plates, said Liao, also a member of the Central Military Commission.
Since it launched the reform and opening-up policy in 1978, China has increased soldiers' food subsidy 24 times.
China's defense budget for 2007 is expected to hit 351 billion yuan (45 billion U.S. dollars), 17.8 percent higher than last year.
According to Liao, the rise will be used to improve salaries, pensions, create new uniforms, and also on military training for China's 2.3 million servicemen and women.
Source: Xinhua
|
|
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article