The Chinese military is stepping up its efforts to foster a new generation of service men and women with "four must-haves". The requirement was first put forward by President Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission, in October 2014. He said that the People's Liberation Army soldiers should possess soul, competence, bravery and virtue.

The "four must haves" has become the overall requirement for the entire armed forces to cultivate personnel who follow the Party's command, have excellent combat ability, are courageous and have good moral integrity.

The requirement aims to strengthen China's armed forces for the sake of the people. Building a strong military that is capable of defending China's national security, interests and international status is the strategic task of the country's modernization bid.