February 13, 2006:
The booming economy in China is affecting junior officer recruitment, especially of guys with engineering, science, and computer degrees. These fellow are landing high paying jobs in industry. Reportedly the Chinese are looking at some of Uncle Sam's approaches to this problem. This would include the payment of cash bonuses, instant promotions, better living conditions and flexible terms of service. Appeals to nationalism and patriotism will also be used, as the government has been making much of China's growing technological prowess. Most of the Chinese armed forces are decidedly low tech, but several hundred thousand troops, an elite within the 2.1 million man force, are being groomed and equipped to show how China can fight high tech warfare.