Snorers, Tattoo Wearers Out From Chinese Army

The Chinese Army has banned chronic snorers from joining up. These are new standards that have been introduced by the Army. "Given that chronic snorers' sounds disturb the life of others, a new regulation ... has been added," the Beijing Times newspaper quoted army official Li Chunming as saying.

The People's Liberation Army is the world's strongest standing force with 2.3 million soldiers. It has also decided to ban people who wear tattoos. "Recruits with any marks, words or designs exceeding two centimeters in diameter on exposed parts of the body when wearing short sleeves -- and harm the army's image -- do not qualify," said the Beijing Times. "Tattoos on other parts of the body are limited to three centimeters." Applicants will also write psychological tests and have their urine checked up for evidence of drug taking. The main aim of these regulations is to make the army strong and efficient. "Along with social and economic development and improvements in people's living standards, young people's physical and mental growth has experienced vast changes," the paper said.