Hangzhou Veterans Affairs Bureau in Zhejiang province on Wednesday launched the country's first "veteran code", aimed at providing online services to help retired soldiers.

The QR code containing the personal information of the veterans, when scanned, gives them access to many online services. A result of Hangzhou's "smart veteran" project, the application, empowered with online payment platform Alipay, can help more than 260,000 veterans in the city. The code is like a digital identity card, confirming the owner's credentials as a retired soldier, thus opening the doors to whatever they are entitled to.

Veterans in Hangzhou who apply for and get the veteran code can enjoy several advantages in hospital registration and treatment, free parking at designated hospitals and special discounts at designated shops.

In addition, they can use the app to consult experts at the municipal and county-level veterans affairs departments to know more about the services that they are entitled to.

The Hangzhou Veterans Affairs Bureau has said it will further improve the application to create an online "veterans home" to better serve the retired soldiers.

Soon, those with the veteran code will be entitled to healthcare and check-up discounts, free professional training and low-interest startup micro loans.

The central government pays great attention to veterans affairs, enhancing their care and social security. Giving priority and providing supporting policies to retired soldiers is a way of society recognizing their services and expressing gratitude to them.

Hangzhou's veteran code is a good example of how information and internet-based technologies such as big data can help improve the lives of the veterans by providing them with better services.

The veteran code helps veterans enjoy a more convenient and efficient life, which is conducive to the building of a harmonious society.

- WANG YIQING, CHINA DAILY