BEIJING, Jan. 17 -- A senior Chinese military official on Friday said troops should be loyal to the Communist Party of China (CPC).

While speaking at a graduation ceremony at the National Defense University, Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, said the CPC exercises absolute leadership over the military.

Fan told graduates to maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party in their thoughts, politics and actions.

Fan also urged the military to boost combat preparedness, as well as called on commanders to be deeply involved in military combat preparation and be able to lead troops to fight and win if the need arises.

"The troops should always bear in mind their tasks, responsibilities as well as their enemies and they should always have passion for their mission," Fan said.

Military officials should set examples in improving their work styles and fighting against formalism, bureaucracy, hedonism and extravagance, he said.