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China has decided to increase the food subsidy for its troops by 10 percent to 11 yuan per day (US$1.45) per person from 10 yuan backdated to January 1, 2007, a senior People's Liberation Army official announced in Beijing yesterday.
"The rise will help offset the impact of price hikes and improve food for soldiers, as military training demands a lot of energy and a strong body," said Liao Xilong, director of the General Logistics Department of the PLA.
The central government and the top military authority wanted soldiers to see the benefits of the country's booming economy and improved living standards in their plates, said Liao, also a member of the Central Military Commission.
Since it launched the reform and opening-up policy in 1978, China has increased troop food subsidy 24 times.
Its defense budget for 2007 will hit 351 billion yuan, 17.8 percent higher than last year.
The rise will be used to improve salaries, pensions, create new uniforms, and also on military training for the 2.3-million servicemen and women.
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