PLA to recruit overseas talent

A regular press was held by China's Ministry of National Defense on May 25, 2011. Senior Colonel Geng Yansheng, spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense, answered reporters' questions.

A reporter asked, since some hospitals affiliated with the Chinese military have begun to employ Chinese talent that has returned from overseas, does it indicate that there has been a change in the recruitment policy of the People's Liberation Army (PLA)?

Geng Yansheng answered, introducing overseas talent and making use of them to serve armies is the common practice adopted by armies of world countries during the building of their armies. He said the Chinese military attaches great importance to learning from other countries' advanced army-building experience and pays attention to cooperation between international military academies as well as exchanging military students.

He said the PLA also welcomes overseas experts to come to China and launch academic exchanges with military personnel.

Geng also said introducing overseas talent makes clear the Chinese military's active stance that is open, pragmatic and cooperative. The Military Service Law of the People's Republic of China and other rules and regulations have given specific definitions on Chinese citizens' right to join the army. We will strictly observe these laws.

By Ye Xin, People's Daily Online

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