To guard against divulging military secrets, Chinese military personnel are being banned from dating online, the Beijing News reports.

The new regulation was jointly issued by the Headquarters of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Staff and the General Political Department of the PLA on Tuesday.

According to the report, if soldiers use online dating websites it could interfere with their normal military training, and could even lead to them revealing military secrets online.

Under the headings "Domestic Affairs" and "Regulations on the Prevention of Crime" the PLA has also prohibited soldiers from using the Internet to search for marriage prospects or new jobs, as well as restricting them from using personal blogs or websites. They will also be prevented from participating in various online activities such as reunions with friends from their hometowns, or meetings with alumni or comrades-in-arms.

A scrutiny will be launched in all military units, and violators will face harsh punishments, according to instructions from the two departments.

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