China's military academies plan to recruit some 20,000 high school graduates across the country, according to a joint recruitment plan issued by the Ministry of Education and the General Political Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Of these military academies, 37 are attached to the PLA and nine are under the Chinese People's Armed Police (PAP).

People eligible to apply for the recruitment should be 20 yearsold, unmarried, and politically and physically qualified.

In China, all the school charges and daily spending cadets of are paid by the government. A cadet receives 110 yuan (about US$13.25) in the first year, 140 yuan (about US$16.87) in the second year, 170 yuan (about US$20.5) in the third year, 200 yuan (about US$24.1) in the fourth year, and 230yuan (about US$27.7) in the fifth year.
 
(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2004)