China's defense minister says the nation must continue and diversify its military modernization while placing the development of information technology at its core.

The official Xinhua news agency quoted Defense Minister Liang Guanglie making the remarks late Sunday at a reception marking China's annual Army Day.

It said Liang promised to “expand and deepen” China's preparedness for military struggle. He said the army must develop the ability to win local, information-based wars while promoting innovation in defense science and equipment development.

Liang also called for accelerating the building of modern logistics, and intensifying the training of high-caliber and “new-type” military personnel.

At the same time, he said China will follow a foreign policy of peace while seeking friendly exchanges and cooperation with the armed forces of other countries.