Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian Sunday urged soldiers of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to pursue higher standards and build the army into one of the world's first-class armies.

Chi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and vice-chairman of the Central Military Committee, made the remarks during an inspection of the Shenzhen base of the PLA's Hong Kong troops yesterday morning.

He spoke highly of the performance of the PLA's Hong Kong troops during the past two years of their mission in Hong Kong, saying that the army has helped to successfully carry out the "one country, two systems" policy of the central government.

Chi also visited the Zhuhai base of the PLA's Macao troops this morning. "History will remember the contributions made by the PLA soldiers in Hong Kong and Macao," he said.

He stressed that the army must absolutely submit to the orders of the CPC. "This is an ultimate principle for the PLA," he said.