Defence Minister Cao
Gangchuan yesterday vowed to build a stronger Chinese army
through science and technology.
He made the pledge while addressing a reception at the Great
Hall of the People in Beijing, held on the eve of the 76th
anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army
(PLA).
The reception was attended by more than 800 military leaders,
government officials, veterans and military attaches of foreign
embassies.
"We must build the armed forces on the basis of advanced science
and technology, applying the latest research and development
achievements in all fields of army building,'' Cao said.
He also called for improving education and training, stepping up
defence research and equipment development, upgrading logistical
support and raising the troops' capability for defence operations
with advanced technology.
"We should work hard to make our talent strategy a success, and
turn out a new type of high-caliber military professionals,'' said
Cao.
He added that the PLA should support and actively participate in
the country's economic development, playing the role of a "vibrant
force'' in infrastructure and environmental development.
Cao said that it is the common aspiration of all Chinese people,
including Taiwanese compatriots, to settle the Taiwan question and
achieve the complete reunification of the motherland.
"We will continue to uphold the basic principles of 'peaceful
reunification and one country, two systems' and the eight-point
proposal put forward by Comrade Jiang Zemin on the development of
cross-Straits relations and advancing the process of peaceful
reunification at the present stage,'' Cao said.
He stressed that any attempt to separate Taiwan from the country
is doomed to failure.
"We have the determination and capability to safeguard China's
sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will brook no separation
of Taiwan from the rest of the country by anyone or in any way,''
he added.
(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2003)