China marks PLA´s 80th birthday with grand rally

Source: Xinhuanet | 08-01-2007 13:05

A grand rally opened on Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), August 1, 2007.(Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- A grand rally opened here on Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao presided over the rally, during which President Hu Jintao is to deliver a keynote speech. Former President Jiang Zemin also attended the meeting.

President Hu urges developing defense-related science, technology

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- China should accelerate the upgrading of defense-related science and technology and weaponry, Chinese President Hu Jintao said here on Wednesday.

Hu, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, said at the grand rally marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) that the country should boost the capacity for independent innovation. Full story>>

President: China to "gradually" increase defense budget

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao said here Wednesday that China is going to gradually increase its defense budget while its national economy grows.

"We will gradually increase input in national defense as the economy grows, and continue to modernize national defense and the armed forces in a way that serves the interests of national security and development," said Hu, also chairman of the Central Military Commission. Full story>>

President Hu stresses PLA's loyalty to CPC

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao stressed here Wednesday the loyalty of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to the Communist Party of China (CPC).

"To follow the CPC's command is the overriding political requirement that the Party and Chinese people have placed on the PLA and is the unshakable and fundamental principle for the PLA," said Hu, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC). Full story>>

President Hu urges to improve national defense mobilization system

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- China should improve its national defense mobilization system, Chinese President Hu Jintao said here on Wednesday.

"We must have the participation of the whole people in strengthening national defense," Hu said. Full story>>

PLA heroes vow to follow command of CPC

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Yang Liwei, the first Chinese astronaut in space, said here on Wednesday that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) would continue to follow the command of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

"We will follow the orders of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Military Commission and Chairman Hu," Yang said. Full story>>

Editor:Du Xiaodan