BEIJING, April 16  -- The Central Military Commission (CMC) issued a circular requiring efforts to strictly discipline Communist Party of China (CPC) members in the army.

The document, which was published on Thursday, has been approved by Chinese President and CMC Chairman Xi Jinping.

The circular called on CPC members in the army to strictly follow the Party's instructions in their practices and maintain firm and correct political faith.

"Political liberalism must be prevented and corrected and the organizational rules of the Party must be strictly observed," it said.

The document said problems with personnel affairs in the army should be redressed and discipline rules regarding financial matters must be abided by stringently.

The campaign to fight undesirable work styles should be carried forward, it said.

The document demanded strict supervision, inspection and punishment for violators to promote awareness, respect and observation of discipline among CPC members in the military.

The document noted that the CMC and military headquarters departments should set examples for the entire army, and senior officers should set examples for their underlings.

The circular said CPC discipline should be regarded as "iron rules." "There should be no 'hidden pass' in implementing discipline and there should be no exceptions outside the 'cage of regulation,'" it added.