TAIWAN'S military has banned its soldiers from napping - or even closing their eyes - while wearing their uniforms in public, media and the defence ministry yesterday. The ban has immediately met a hail of criticism, including from soldiers who say they are being treated like robots.

"Servicemen should avoid napping or resting with their eyes closed while taking public transportation to maintain the image of the armed forces," the ministry said in a statement.

The statement came after the United Daily News reported that the new rule had sparked criticism of "inhumane management" from some soldiers.

"It's ridiculous. What a bizarre order. We aren't robots," the paper quoted an unmanned soldier as saying.