BEIJING – According to a South China Morning Post report, President XiJinping recently signed the “PLA Common Regulations” which has a number ofcompulsory directives for troops. Of these, getting into shape has beengiven primary importance.

The directive reportedly wants soldiers to be combat ready each day andinstill an even higher level of self-discipline than what exists currently.Punishment for several cases of discipline violations has also been mademore severe.

While getting fit and being at the peak of physical form is a demand almostevery country makes of its soldiers, the PLA Common Regulations goes beyondand elaborates on minuscule aspects of human conduct.

So, umbrellas have been banned unless it is raining or snowing and must beheld only in the left hand, bracelets are a no-no and non-uniform gloveswould invite severe penalty. Military uniforms are now permitted whenattending personal events like weddings and award ceremonies to encouragepublic at large to respect the forces.

Several security analysts in China have welcomed the rules and compulsorydirectives. Some have been quoted as saying that these would ensure apositive public image while others have made comparisons to US troops andtheir fitness levels projected.

A few also suggest that these showcase how closely Xi is monitoring histroops and the degree of control that he wishes to exercise.