The Chinese army has vowed to strictly regulate its expenditure, echoing a sweeping campaign against waste, corruption and extravagance.

Xinhua was told Sunday that a regulation jointly issued by four departments of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) offered detailed instructions on the army's spending on construction, procurement, conferences and receptions, among other items.

The regulation, approved by Xi Jinping, chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Communist Party of China, was issued by the Headquarters of the General Staff, General Political Department, General Logistics Department and General Armament Department.

In terms of money distribution, the army should give priority to preparations for battle and development of information technologies, high-tech weaponry and new types of fighting capabilities. It should also prioritize combat-simulating drills and personnel training, said the regulation.

"The regulation is an important move to improve the army's work style and practice frugality," said Sun Huangtian, vice head of the General Logistics Department.

The army should exercise tight control over spending that is prone to misuse and corruption, including infrastructure investment, centralized purchasing, conference receptions, celebrations, housing projects, public-funded overseas trips and vehicle purchases, the regulation noted.

It also stipulated that the army should strengthen supervision and penalties, and administer financial laws and regulations more forcefully.

The regulation is of great significance to "further intensifying management and supervision of the army, enhancing the effectiveness of expenditures and better promoting military readiness and army modernization," Sun said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2013)