BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao reiterated the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of China(CPC) over the armed forces in a speech here Wednesday.

    At a meeting to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the Great Hall of the People, Hu said, "The Party's absolute leadership over the armed forces means that the PLA must follow the banner and the will of the Party, resolutely implement the Party's fundamental principles and earnestly fulfill all tasks assigned by the Party."

    He said, "To forge and cement the noble spirit of the army and be faithful to the purposes of the people's army, we must continue to arm the PLA with the latest achievements in the application of Marxism in China, strengthen the advanced nature of the Party in the armed forces and enhance the competence of officers and men and carry forward the fine traditions of following the command of the Party, serving the people and being courageous and skillful at war fighting."

    "Attaching great importance to and truly strengthening political work -- this is the valuable experience the PLA has gained in its 80-year history, as well as a major asset of the PLA," Hu said. "In the face of profound changes and daunting tasks, political work can only be strengthened and not weakened."