China has built up a solid military Great Wall along its border and
coast, with the strong support of the three generations of
leadership of the Communist Party of China.
An
article by Xinhua's military reporters, designated to mark the 74th
anniversary of founding of the People's Liberation Army on August
1, says that during the past centuries foreign powers have
frequently invaded China, mainly coming by sea, and they have also
ignited wars at the country's frontiers.
According to the article, it was late Chairman Mao Zedong who first
stressed that "we must build up a large and powerful navy force" in
1953.
Since then, the country has been developing a modern fleet
consisting of missile destroyers, frigates and nuclear submarines,
which are now supported by land-deployed missiles, fighters and
bombers, and marine corps.
It
says that China's late leader Deng Xiaoping and current leader
Jiang Zemin have paid great attention to the development of the
navy.
Jiang, Chinese President and Chairman of the Central Military
Commission, has said that special attention should be given to the
construction of the navy.
At
the same time, the country has scored remarkable achievements in
improving its frontier defense.
The article reveals that during the past five years, China has
carried out an unprecedented frontier construction program in nine
provinces and autonomous regions sharing borders with foreign
countries, with the purpose of developing good neighborly
relationships with these countries.
Since the 1950s the three generations of leadership have
successfully solved a number of border and territory disputes
through peaceful means, according to the article.
It
adds that patrol helicopters, electronic surveillance equipment and
other advanced means have been introduced to improve the border
defenses.
In
addition, the country has consolidated the harmonious relationship
between the soldiers and local governments and residents.
Soldiers have participated in massive local economic development,
according to the article.
It
continues to say that Chinese leaders have shown special care for
navy personnel and frontier soldiers.
Jiang Zemin has visited frontier sentries and navy bases several
times, greatly inspiring soldiers there, the article says.
(People's Daily 07/28/2001)