The PLA Daily urged military commanders to broaden their horizons and take a greater interest in international affairs, computer and Internet technology and foreign languages while not losing sight of their military responsibilities, according to Chinanews.com on February 21.

Global view

According to the newspaper many Chinese military commanders are too 'inward looking' and focusing completely on their duties. They have little time or opportunity to achieve access to the latest world news.

It would be beneficial if they were in a position to have easy access to up-to-the-minute information on subjects like international relations, politics, military topics and diplomatic updates. Efforts are required to be made to keep abreast of the ever changing world scene.

New computer and Internet technology

The newspaper suggested that although computers have affected almost every aspect of the modern world, many high-ranking military commanders are unable to extract information from the Internet.

The use of information in a range of formats is the weapon of the 21st century; thus military commanders have to improve their computer skills.

Communication in foreign languages

The ever increasing frequency of international communications between the Chinese military and other countries has clearly displayed the increasing need for personnel to be skilled in foreign languages as the communication tool.

The newspaper pointed out that the ratio of military officers who know foreign languages is low. In order to better understand and communicate with their foreign counterparts, it is necessary for Chinese military commanders to know one or two foreign languages.

(China.org.cn by Wang Ke, February 25, 2006)