China's defense chief gives speech

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- China's Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said China takes a defensive policy in national defense in support of the country's independent foreign policy of peace.

Cao, speaking Sunday ahead of the 78th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army said, "China had to be always well-prepared to counter various challenges as the international situation was complex and changeable, and unstable factors exist," state-run media reported.

Cao said the PLA will "steadfastly adhere to the fundamental principle that PLA is under the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of China with Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee, at the core."

He noted China will firmly follow the proposals Hu made on relations with Taiwan and "strive for the peaceful reunification of the motherland with utmost sincerity and efforts."

"China sticks to an independent foreign policy of peace and a defensive policy on national defense," Cao stated.

More than 800 military leaders, government officials, veterans and foreign military attaches in Beijing's Great Hall of the People attended Cao's speech.