The work of servicemen retirement in the winter of 2003 will soon begin, with part of army men to be released before completing their term.

Out of the needs of state army downsizing, part of compulsory servicemen and officers will be released before their due retirement time according to notices issued by the State Council and the Central Military Commission (CMC), an official responsible for the retirement work from the Headquarters of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) said.

By unified arrangement of the CMC, the state's army downsizing will be fully launched by the end of 2003, with the aim of cutting 200,000 men before 2005, the official disclosed. Redundant servicemen will be released from active service, including compulsory men and officers who haven't completed their term.

(People’s Daily November 4, 2003)