BEIJING, August 1-- The Chinese People's Liberation Army is 79 years old, and the Defense Ministry has held a reception to celebrate.

    Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said the Chinese military forces will always be a force to safeguard world peace, and promote friendly development with other countries. Cao stressed that the PLA will continue to uphold state sovereignty and help build a harmonious society in the country. He said that China will promote the peaceful development of the cross-Strait relations, and work for the prospect of peaceful reunification. This year also marks the seventieth anniversary of the Long March of the Red Army - the predecessor of the PLA.

    (Source: CCTV.com)

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DM Cao elaborates on army-building methods

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan Monday elaborated on the methods to enhance army-building, highlighting the mechanization and IT capabilities of the People's Liberation Army.

    "We will adapt ourselves to the new trend in the conduct of war and fighting, address the actual need of the PLA to strengthen its mechanization and IT capabilities," Cao told a reception marking the PLA's 79th birthday, which falls on August 1.

    He said the PLA will promote the transformation of military training from under mechanized conditions to that under IT conditions, and enhance the mission-executing capability.  Full story <<<