China's Navy cautions young soldiers against online dating, gambling risks

China’s Navy has cautioned young officers against online dating and virtual gambling, highlighting the potential security risks posed by these activities.

Addressed to members of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) born after 1990—whom the navy calls “the core of the army”—the warning signals concerns about digital threats targeting military personnel.

The PLA Navy’s social media post advised young soldiers to avoid disclosing their military status online, as doing so could make them “extremely easy” targets for online scams. “Distinguish carefully and keep some distance when making friends online,” it stated. “Never lose sight of your principles and make random friends with netizens.”

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The navy also warned against virtual gambling, which is illegal in China, describing addiction to it as akin to being “possessed by a demon.” The statement warned that soldiers who fall victim to gambling schemes risk “falling into an endless abyss” of debt.

China’s military, which has recently flexed its power through operations around Taiwan and the South China Sea, projects a disciplined image globally. But President Xi Jinping has frequently underscored the “deep-seated” issues within the armed forces, including corruption and discipline lapses. At a military conference in June, Xi emphasized the need for the PLA to adhere strictly to the Chinese Communist Party’s “absolute leadership” and urged troops to “uphold their core values, maintain purity, and strictly adhere to discipline.”

In a speech, Xi addressed the ideological roots of these issues, attributing them to “a lack of ideals and beliefs.” He called on military leaders to “introspect, engage in soul-searching reflections, and make earnest rectifications,” according to Xinhua. Young soldiers, it appears, are being called to the same standard, with the navy urging them to avoid digital pitfalls and maintain focus on their duties.