China warns its army against online dating

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy of China has issued an urgent warning to its young officers, cautioning them against falling prey to online dating scams and illegal gambling schemes that could compromise military security.

In a recent social media post, the navy advised those born after 1990, now forming the core of the military, to stay vigilant and avoid exposing their military status online.

With digital threats mounting, the PLA Navy reminded personnel that sharing details of their military identity could make them “extremely easy” targets for criminals looking to exploit insider information.

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Highlighting the risks of gambling addiction, labeled as being “possessed by a demon,” the PLA warned against the financial traps that could leave soldiers drowning in debt.

This cautionary message aligns with President Xi Jinping’s broader push for discipline and loyalty within the ranks. While the PLA projects power on the world stage, Xi has stressed the need to tackle “deep-seated” issues, from corruption to declining values.

At a recent military conference, Xi urged senior officers to introspect and maintain absolute loyalty to the Chinese Communist Party’s ideals, signaling a nationwide drive to reinforce discipline at every level of the armed forces.

The PLA’s call to action marks a rare glimpse into the internal challenges of modernizing China’s military, balancing global ambition with the pressures of a digital, interconnected world.