国内英语新闻:President Hu calls for promotion of national defense construction

BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao Friday called for the whole nation to further promote the development of national defense with the help of the nation's economic development.

    Hu, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks during a meeting held by CPC Central Committee Political Bureau ahead of the 82nd founding anniversary of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Aug. 1.

    Hu said "the country should take both economic and national defense development into consideration and develop the armed forces featuring an integration of the military and the people."

    To realize the goal, efforts are needed in establishing sound weapon systems and equipment research and manufacturing, military personnel training and logistics that combine military construction with people's support, he said.

    Emphasis should be made in scientific exchanges between fields of national defense and civilian use.

    He further stressed it is the responsibility of both the Party and entire nation to build a powerful and solid armed force and national defense power.