The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will expand the number of senior military officers that are audited in a bid to curb corruption in the armed forces, according to a national PLA meeting on Monday.

At least 30 percent of all chief officers, both head officers and commissars above the regiment level, will be subject to regular financial audits. Corps commanders in field armies will also be supervised, according to a document from the meeting.

Liao Xilong, head of the General Logistics Department of the PLA, said military spending on equipment and research should be transparent.

"Problems in the military should be detected in a timely fashion", said Liao, adding the army will severely punish those violating laws and regulations.

Liao also stressed officers at various levels should enhance their administrative abilities.

In 2006 the PLA audited 1,938 high-ranking officers, sources said. It did not mention if any violations were discovered.

(Xinhua News Agency January 30, 2007)