The photo from Sina Weibo showing a military training instructor hugging a first year student on the campus of Qingdao Technological University. [Photo: Weibo]

A row's broken out online over a series of photos allegedly showing military training instructors expressing their love to first year students at the Linyi campus of Qingdao Technological University.

The photos posted online appear to show some military training instructors in uniform hugging, kissing or courting the affections of some of the young students.

In their defence, supporters say that everyone has the right to fall in love with someone else regardless of his or her role in life.

But many netizens have argued that instructors should abide by military service rules.

Under those regulations, compulsory service personnel and officers in China are forbidden from forming personal relationships at their residence.

The photo from Sina Weibo showing a military training instructor hugging a first year student on the campus of Qingdao Technological University. [Photo: Weibo]

While it is accepted that they might fall in love, it is seen as improper to hug or kiss at their barracks. It's suggested that they keep contact with those they fall in love with, and start dating properly after retirement.

By Saturday, both the military and university said they'd looked into the case. The university side said freshmen needed a good environment to study, to avoid pressure, and lead a common campus life.

A photo released on Sina Weibo showing a military training instructor apparently courting a student on bended knee on the campus of Qingdao Technological University. [Photo: Weibo]