Jiang Zemin Stresses Development of Defense Technology 　　Chinese President Jiang Zemin, chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), on January 8 urged the nation's defense industry to focus on coordinating the development of military technology and equipment with smaller investments and greater returns. 　　Jiang, who also serves as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks at a major conference sponsored by the General Equipment Department under the People's Liberation Army (PLA). 　　Jiang praised China's defense industry for successfully developing sophisticated equipment including nuclear weapons and rockets. He said the industry's efforts have established a solid foundation for safeguarding the national security and raising the nation's international status. 　　He noted that China faces both rare opportunities and crucial challenges in national defense and military modernization at a time when other countries are upgrading high-tech military hardwares. He stressed that the development of military science, technology and equipment represents the major criteria for ensuring the nation's national defense readiness. 　　 TopNews 1999-01-09 Page1