The People’s Liberation Army is strengthening the ability of its political commissars to use information technology to monitor its officers and soldiers. Xinhua reports that in a recent contest of its political officers, the Jinan Military Region has added questions on collection and analysis of online information, production of multimedia courseware and simulation of wartime political works. 96 percent of the soldiers had Internet experience prior to joining the PLA. A common activity shared by those born in the 80s and 90s is to express independent opinion on the Internet. "This is an important channel for us to learn what our officers and soldiers really have on their minds,” said a political commissar from the "Tiger" Division of the Jinan Military Region.
Source: Xinhua, December 9, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2009-12/09/content_12619528.htm