Chinese President Hu Jintao talks with PLA delegates

President Hu Jintao has joined in discussions with NPC deputies from the People's Liberation Army on the 8th day of the NPC session. He is calling on the armed forces to strengthen political construction and provide support for safeguarding China's sovereignty, national security and development interests. Senior leader Zhou Yongkang also joined the discussions with deputies from Chongqing.

President Hu Jintao, who is also Chairman of the Central Military Commission, says China's armed forces should fulfill their strategic mission of defending the country and serving the people.

Hu Jintao says the army should recognize the changing security environment, and resolutely defend national sovereignty and security.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, also chairman of the Central Military  Commission, delivers an important speech while attending a plenary  meeting of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) deputies to the Third  Session of the 11th National People’s Congress in Beijing, China,  March 12, 2010. (Xinhua/Wang Jianmin)