Zhu Rongji Urges Improved National Defense

Chinese Premier Visits Demonstration of War Industry Achievments

Premier Zhu Rongji said Saturday that the country should improve its national defense while developing its economy.

Visiting a defense industry exhibition, Zhu urged that a vigorous system be created to develop military science, and nationwide cooperation be expanded in this regard by adhering to the principle of self-reliance.

The premier stressed that the defense industry should be combined with the civilian sector, and their cooperation should be market-oriented.

He noted that many military plants are suffering losses due to the dogma of the planned economy.

The defense industry should develop technologies and products that can be accepted by both military and civilian markets, he said, adding that different research institutes and sectors should combine their strengths.

In addition, those civilian enterprises that produce military products should take this mission as their priority, he noted.

Vice-Premier Li Lanqing also visited the exhibition on the cooperative results achieved in the defense industry.