China to boost pay for PLA forces after years of sweeping reforms

Bumper 40 per cent wage rise on its way, with border forces and promising young officers set for biggest slice

But concerns remain about continuing lack of legal underpinning for all matters relating to military pay and conditions

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PLA soldiers on patrol in the border region of Tibet. Photo: Handout

Published: 6:00am, 23 Jan 2021Updated: 9:19am, 23 Jan 2021

China’s servicemen and women will get a significant pay rise later this year, according to three independent sources close to the world’s largest military force.

The 40 per cent increase comes hard on the heels of a number of sweeping reforms intended to transform the bloated People’s Liberation Army into a more modern, nimble fighting force. The pay boost aims to attract and retain talent, while also encouraging promising young officers to have faith in the ongoing changes.

“I am so happy as I am going to receive an additional income of up to 7,000 yuan (US$1,000) after the pay rise, or a 40 per cent increase, taking my monthly income to more than 20,000 yuan,” said a Beijing-based colonel, who requested anonymity.

“It’s not clear when the pay rise will be formally implemented, but we were told that it is coming soon.”

Chinese PLA soldiers stationed at the Sino-India border in Tibet. (Handout)

As with previous pay rises, commissioned and non-commissioned officers would benefit the most, with those stationed in border areas like Tibet, Xinjiang, as well as the East and South China seas, receiving a higher rate, the colonel said.