THE PEOPLE'S LIBERATION ARMY RECENTLY ISSUED GUIDELINES for physical training in the military over the next five years. Among others, a most notable measure is the plan to gradually set bodyweight standards for soldiers and officers. Those failing to meet these standards might lose the chance of promotion. Comments:

For an ordinary individual, a beer belly might mean bad health; but for military personnel being overweight might affect his or her ability to do their duty, which may lead to casualties or even death on the battlefield - that's why almost all developed countries seek to control the weight of those in their armed forces. China also had a regulation, but it was not well enforced. We hope the new regulation will be strictly implemented for the health of military personnel.

China Youth Daily, Feb 15