The PLA leadership has vowed to root out illegal recruitment practices in the forthcoming intake to ensure the standard of new soldiers is maintained and to protect the army's reputation.

Eight regulations were jointly issued by the Headquarters of the General Staff, the General Political Department and the Committee for Disciplinary Inspection of the Central Military Commission, ordering 'clean and efficient' recruitment in the seven military command areas and other military stations across the nation, the PLA Daily reported yesterday.

Military service is a popular way for poorly educated young people to get ahead, and authorities have received many complaints about candidates who fail to meet requirements trying to bribe recruitment officers.