China to Readjust Defense Industry: Zhu (03/05/2001)

China will readjust its defense industry, develop new weapons and equipment, and utilize modern technology, especially high technology, to improve the defense capabilities and combat effectiveness of the armed forces.

Premier Zhu Rongji made the remarks Monday when he was delivering a report on the Outline on the Tenth Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development at the opening of the Fourth Session of the Ninth National People's Congress.

"As we focus our efforts on developing the national economy, we must also strengthen our national defense and increase our defense capabilities," the premier said, noting that strengthening national defense and building up the armed services is an important guarantee for the security of the state and the success of the modernization drive.

"We need to strengthen defense-related scientific research, reform and restructure science, technology and industry related to national defense, develop new weapons and equipment, utilize modern technology, especially high technology, to improve the defense capabilities and combat effectiveness of the armed forces, and ensure their preparedness for any contingency," he said.

He urged working conscientiously to implement the military strategy of active defense in the new era; persisting in reform and innovation; strengthening the armed forces through science and technology, with emphasis on quality and thrift; running the armed forces by law; streamlining the armed forces in a Chinese way in order to build a more modernized, standardized revolutionary army; and raising the people's awareness of the importance of national defense and improving the mobilization system.

China will continue to pursue an independent foreign policy of peace, develop friendly relations and cooperation with all countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and strive for a long-term peaceful international environment and good relations with its neighbors, he said.