China Issues New Ethics Code For Military Recruitment Staff

China’s Ministry of National Defence has issued a new Code of Professional Ethics for Military Recruitment Staff, outlining standards of conduct for officials involved in recruiting personnel for the country’s armed forces, state news agency Xinhua reported on Sunday.

The guidelines, issued by the ministry’s recruitment office, were made public on August 9 and came into effect immediately.

The document comes as China’s military continues to emphasise political discipline, ideological training and stricter standards among personnel involved in the recruitment and management of armed forces.

According to Xinhua, the code aims to implement President Xi Jinping’s instructions on strengthening moral standards and political discipline, while addressing key areas where recruitment officials exercise authority.

The code sets out five main principles for military recruitment staff: loyalty to the Communist Party and the broader national interest; performing duties according to the law and selecting recruits fairly; putting national defence first and maintaining recruitment standards; remaining honest and avoiding personal gain; and promoting teamwork and providing dedicated services.

The five principles are further divided into 25 specific ethical rules, which set out expectations for how recruitment officials should conduct themselves while carrying out their duties.

The guidelines call on recruitment staff to remain loyal to the Party, uphold professional standards, exercise their authority responsibly and avoid corruption or personal interests influencing recruitment decisions.

The document also stresses the importance of selecting military personnel according to established standards and carrying out recruitment work in a transparent and lawful manner.

Xinhua said the new rules are intended to encourage recruitment officials to maintain high ethical standards, strengthen self-discipline and promote a more disciplined working culture.

The move also comes as Beijing continues its broader campaign to strengthen discipline within the People’s Liberation Army and tighten oversight of officials amid ongoing efforts to modernise China’s armed forces.