For soldiers, the east is rouge

Peking (Reuter) - Rouge is now acceptable for the Chinese Red Army. The Liberation Army Daily, mouthpiece of the military command, yesterday printed a lengthy commentary in favour of every soldier's right to use cosmetics.

'Everyone is agreed: when soldiers use such things as facial moisturising milk, their mood improves. Soldiers may also seek to be beautiful and to protect their skin,' the newspaper said, noting that the issue had surfaced when a recent check in an army company revealed many soldiers using such products.