BEIJING - China will steadily reform national defense and the army and constantly modernize the military forces, said China's Minister of National Defense.

Defense Minister Liang Guanglie made the remarks at a reception in Beijing on Sunday celebrating the 84th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Aug 1 every year is China's Army Day.

"In the world today, peace, development and cooperation remains the trend of the times. However, world peace and development face multiple challenges," said Liang.

He said the army faces more arduous and heavier tasks and should stay alert to challenges.

He called for enhancing the capability to accomplish diversified military tasks, with the capability to win local wars under the conditions of informatization at its core.

"We will promote independent innovation in defense science and equipment development," said Liang.

He also called for accelerating the building of modern logistics, intensifying the training of new types of high-caliber military personnel.

Liang, also a member of China's Central Military Commission and a State councillor, said the army will continue to oppose and deter the secessionist activities for "Taiwan independence" to make due contributions to the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations and China's complete reunification.

Xinhua

(China Daily 08/01/2011 page4)