BEIJING, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairman Xu Qiliang has asked the Chinese military to better guide opinions online, saying the Internet is "a new battlefield" for ideological struggle.
"(The military) should take initiative in seizing the new battlefield for ideological struggle -- that is, the Internet," said Xu when addressing a meeting on Monday.
He called for enhanced efforts on ideological education and leading online public opinion so as to "build a strong line of defense" against infiltration and sabotage from hostile forces.
Xu urged the soldiers to hold firm their beliefs and maintain good work styles amid a "complex situation in the ideologcial field."
Xu also stressed the importance of team building at the grass-roots level.
To realize the goal of building a strong force, it is fundamental to improve the fighting capacity at the grass-roots level, Xu said, adding that real combat criteria should be adopted in military training.
He asked the armed forces to focus on military training and tilt financial and material resources in favor of ensuring combat preparedness at the grass-roots level.
Pakistan suffers desperate shortage of water
Lanzhou MAC conducts actual-troop live-ammunition drill
Heritage train ride across western Kosovo
Heavy rain hits Hangzhou, causing traffic jam
Students wade through water to school
Dabaiyi wedding ceremony in China's Yunnan
Harbin named Chinese city with most beautiful women
Weekly Sports Photos: Bale transfers to Real Madrid
Funniest photos of sport stars as kids
Residences of the royal house of Savoy
China's frigate 'Bengbu'in fire training
The last days of Wan Aihua
Highlights at 12th National Games of China
Beijing Film Academy welcomes freshmen
2013 Taiwan Int'l Tourism Expo kicks off in TaipeiDay|Week|Month