China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has implemented a new regulation to strengthen the influence of the Communist Party within its ranks.

A circular issued by the PLA's General Political Department on Tuesday requires military and armed police personnel to study and implement the regulation on the work of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) in the PLA.

"We should guard against weakening of the League's role in the PLA," says the circular.

According to the regulation, the fundamental aim of CYLC organizations in the army is to train high-quality young army men with ideals, a strong moral character, advanced knowledge and a strong sense of discipline and strengthen the Party's influence among young army men.

The circular says that in implementing the regulation, approved by the Central Military Commission, efforts should be made to enhance the enthusiasm and creativity of young CYLC members in the army to conform to China's military reform.

The CYLC, which is under the direct leadership of the Communist Party of China, is considered to be the Party's "assistant" and "backup". The League had 72 million members at the end of last year, of which 49 percent were students.

(Xinhua News Agency January 10, 2007)