Today's PLA Daily carries an editorial in commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

　　The editorial points out, on the occasion of winding up the major phasic victory of the earthquake rescue and relief operation and welcoming the imminent opening of the Beijing Olympic Games, the PLA ushers in the 81stannivcersary of its founding.

　　The past 81 years that the PLA has gone through mark the time it has struggled for and devoted to the liberation of the Chinese people, the national independence and the country's prosperity and powerfulness under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, and the time it has fulfilled the historical missions in a loyal manner and made splendid achievements.

　　In the earthquake rescue and relief operation and the fights against rainstorm and snowstorm, all the officers and men risked their lives, pressed forward in face of difficulties, fought continuously, and gave full play to their roles as the main force and the crack force, for which they have been speaking highly of by the Party and the people.

　　The 17th National Congress of the CPC pointed out explicitly that the armed forces should "enhance the capabilities in dealing with various threats to security and fulfilling diversified military tasks", which has charted the orientation for the building of the PLA. Since the beginning of this year, a host of military operations other than war have once again highlighted the great significance of and strategic demands for the armed forces to enhance such capabilities.

　　We should arm the entire armed forces with the socialist theory system with Chinese characteristics, step up the modernization drive of the armed forces, actively probe into the features and rules of diversified military tasks, make endeavors to boost the innovations of military theories, military technologies, military organizations and military management, and enhance their overall capability in fulfilling historical missions so as to add glory and honor to hosting a first-rate Olympic Games of distinguishing quality and make greater contributions to promoting the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

　　(Aug 1, 2008, PLA Daily)                                          Editor: Dong Zhaohui