The survey will cover all units of the People's Liberation Army that have been given permission to provide commercial civilian services and products, Xinhua news agency said.

The investigation is meant to help the government make better economic planning in the future, according to the agency.

China's army was ordered to pull out of business in 1998, but some economic activity has nevertheless been allowed to continue.

The 1998 order to sever business ties was motivated by concerns that the military had become so involved in making money that it had little time to devote itself to the defense of the country.

WAR.WIRE