Beijing has issued a circular banning soldiers from taking part in petitions and demonstrations following a series of mass protests by disgruntled veterans.
The Central Military Commission circular threatens to penalise soldiers or expel them from the Communist Party if they take part in mass protests or petitions to authorities.
'Those who oppose the absolute leadership of the Communist Party over the army and take part in activities endangering the security of the state and the army will be expelled from the party,' the Liberation Army Daily quoted the circular as saying yesterday.
It added that soldiers would be 'severely penalised' for taking part in organisations not on an approved list or engaging in 'religious and superstitious' activities.
According to a commentary carried by the newspaper the circular is aimed at stepping up 'political discipline' in the People's Liberation Army.
'The supplement highlights and strengthens political discipline and outlines clear restrictions and penalties for breaches of conduct that take place easily or frequently,' the commentary said.