In remarks published by the People's Daily and other mass-circulation papers Sunday, Hu said the improvement of the national defense should reflect China's "economic development and scientific advancement."

High-tech developments have greatly facilitated new military changes in the world, said the president, who is also vice chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission.

"China must improve its research into the change so as to constantly improve national defense and military modernization," Hu said, according to the report.

Jiang, who stepped down from the presidency in March this year, has repeatedly called for the broader use of high technology by the nation's 2.5-million armed forces.

The former president still retains the chairmanship of the Central Military Commission, effectively making him China's commander-in-chief.

The fact that Hu, not Jiang, is formulating a vision for the country's military future could reflect a power struggle that some observers believe is unfolding in Beijing.

WAR.WIRE