"Peace and development are the two priorities of our era; the world is becoming increasingly multipoplar and economic globalization is continuing," the former head of state was cited as saying.

"New technologies, particularly information technology, have seen spectacular advances that are fueling the evolution of the world's armed forces. Our military faces a formidable challenge but should not miss out on the opportunity to modernize and prepare for combat."

Jiang, the head of the powerful central military commission, has since early June been urging the 2.5 million-strong army to recruit qualified personnel and to embrace the information age.

WAR.WIRE