Logistics support leaps forward

For the Army Day 2007, for the first time in the army's 80 years' history, ceremonial robes were distributed to all PLA officers. "It creates uniformity, and at the same time demonstrates a concern for the human side," said Wang An, a researcher from the Chinese Academy of Military Sciences.

PLA soldiers in 2007 ceremonial robes. [Xinhua]

Dramatic changes have also taken place in other fields: the standard of food for soldiers has greatly improved, while the diet structure of officers and soldiers at grass-roots level has evolved from "having sufficient food and clothing" to "proper nutrition". All the wooden and iron sentry posts along the border defense line have been replaced by permanent structures in reinforced concrete. Internet-based remote medical consultation platforms enable doctors to help sick and injured soldiers immediately. Even on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, advanced heating equipment in barracks can maintain room temperatures at 20℃.