Chinese President Hu urges further modernization of PLA Navy

Source: Xinhua | 04-25-2009 08:23

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy should comprehensively push forward its modernization to constantly enhance its capability to carry out its missions in the new century and new phase, Chinese President Hu Jintao said here Friday.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R Front) shakes hands with  fighting hero Mai Xiande during his meeting with representatives of veterans, heroes and models of the Navy of the Chinese  People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Beijing, capital of China, April 24, 2009, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the PLA Navy. (Xinhua/Zha Chunming)

Hu, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when meeting with veteran officers and model soldiers of the PLA Navy Friday night, a day after the 60th anniversary of the founding of the PLA naval force.

Hu first paid respects to the veteran officers and model soldiers for their contributions to the development of the navy and extended regards to all members of the navy.

He expressed his hope that these officers and soldiers would continue to play a leading role in contributing wisdom and strength to the navy's development.

Through six decades of development, a relatively modern naval force consisting of combined arms had taken shape thanks to the leadership of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the Central Military Commission, the support of the people, and unremitting efforts by naval officers and soldiers, Hu said.