LHASA, Aug. 13 -- A senior Chinese military official urged military forces for border defense to make down-to-earth efforts in following the path to building a strong army.

Xu Qiliang, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks during his inspection tour to military units in southwest China's regions of Chongqing and Tibet.

Xu called for strengthened education at the army and efforts to thoroughly clean up the negative influence caused by corrupt former military leaders Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou.

Also, he urged better management and control at the borders as well as innovation with ideological work at military forces to shore up the morale of servicemen for border defense.

Senior officers and army leaders should strictly observe the political discipline and rules, Xu said, adding that modern ideas and elements should also be employed in the management of the military and the belief and spirit of rule of law should be promoted among the soldiers and officers.