Premier Calls for Use of High Technologies in Air Defense Construction

Premier Calls for Use of High Technologies in Air Defense Construction

Premier Zhu Rongji Urged Wednesday for air defense construction to employ high technology and improve the anti-airraid capability of the nation.

Air defense facilities should be constructed continuously in tandem with economic development and urban construction, Zhu, who is also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said at the fourth national conference on air defense which ends November 8 in Beijing.

Zhu called on local authorities to arrange air defense projects, organize construction in cities and improve people's perceptions of air defense.

He stressed that at modern times hegemonism and power politics still exist in the world. Faced with a complicated international political, economic and military situation, the Chinese people must enhance their consciousness of national security.

While being necessary infrastructure during wartime, air defense facilities would also be used for disaster relief and for business purposes during times of peace, Zhu said.

Fu Quanyou, member of the Central Military Commission (CMC) and Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), said that air defense work should better serve national economic development.

The conference summarized the achievements in the development of the country's air defense in the past five decades and discussed the sector's future prospects.

At the meeting, 32 cities, 127 units and 300 individuals were commended by the National Defense Mobilization Committee for their contribution to the effort.