Chinese Navy Warns Young Officers of Security Risks in Online Dating and Virtual Gambling

In an unusual cautionary statement, China’s navy has warned young officers and personnel against the risks of online dating scams and virtual gambling, which they say could compromise military security and discipline. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, targeting those born from 1990 who are “becoming the core of the army,” advised younger soldiers to protect their identities and avoid disclosing their military affiliations online to prevent becoming “extremely easy” targets for criminals.

The PLA Navy’s social media post underlined the importance of maintaining confidentiality, advising personnel to “distinguish carefully and keep some distance when making friends online.” Young officers were urged to avoid “making random friends” and were warned that revealing military identities could expose them to potential security breaches.

The post also issued a stark warning about the dangers of virtual gambling, an illegal activity in China, likening it to being “possessed by a demon” and warning that it could lead to a “fall into an endless abyss” of debt. This message reflects broader concerns about discipline and focus among military ranks, particularly as the navy projects an image of strength, deploying patrols in contested regions like the South China Sea and conducting drills near Taiwan.

Xi Jinping’s Broader Call for Military Discipline

China’s President Xi Jinping, who also serves as the military’s commander-in-chief, has been vocal about the need for stronger discipline within the armed forces, often citing “deep-seated” issues such as corruption and a lack of ideological commitment. In a military conference this June, Xi emphasized the importance of maintaining the Chinese Communist Party’s “absolute leadership” over the PLA, urging soldiers to uphold “core values, maintain purity, and strictly adhere to discipline.”

Addressing senior military officers, Xi called on them to reflect on “ideals and beliefs,” which he said were essential to avoiding ethical lapses and maintaining the integrity of the armed forces. He urged top cadres to “introspect, engage in soul-searching reflections, and make earnest rectifications,” according to Xinhua, China’s official news agency.

The PLA Navy’s latest advisory highlights Beijing’s concern over safeguarding not only the physical strength of its forces but also their ideological loyalty and discipline in an era of digital vulnerabilities.