Chinese authorities urged more legal aid to soldiers and their families on Sept 23, in a move to safeguard the rights and interests of military staff.

The protection of soldiers’ immediate interests is closely related to the troop’s cohesion and fighting capacity, but legal aid offered to servicemen is not sufficient, said a statement issued by the Central Military Commission and the State Council, or China’s cabinet.

The scope of legal aid should be expanded to help soldiers and their dependents deal with civil disputes in daily life, and those facing financial hardship should be targeted, said the statement.

Staff with legal aid institutions are urged to improve their ability to provide high-quality service to soldiers.

According to the statement, the authorities pledged to increase financial support to ensure sufficient legal aid is offered to soldiers.