The Chinese military has relaxed its physical standards for new recruits in an effort to attract more young people with higher education backgrounds.

The height requirement for a male candidate has been adjusted from 162 centimeters to 160 cm and for female candidates, from 160 cm to 158 cm, according to the Defense Ministry's recruitment office.

The upper weight limit for male enlistees was also relaxed to allow more portly young men into the military.