Beijing, Nov 6 (IANS): Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged a key university to make more efforts in fostering high-quality military talent and developing innovative science and technology projects.

Xi made the remarks Tuesday during an inspection at the National University of Defence Technology, which is based in the city of Changsha in China's Hunan province, reported Xinhua.

The National University of Defence Technology, which evolved from the Military Engineering Institute of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) founded in 1953, has played a key role in providing high-calibre military technicians and developing advanced weapons and equipment for the country.

While visiting an exhibition of various science and technology projects, Xi praised the university for its fruitful innovation drive, urging its technology innovation personnel to continue its hard work and strive for more achievement.

Xi called for a strong sense of politics among officers and soldiers, urging them to "unwaveringly uphold the basic principle and system of the army under the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC)".

Xi stressed that the army should keep pace with the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission and resolutely listen to their command.

Meanwhile, Xi told the university to research the characteristics and patterns of modern military education and boost educational quality so as to foster more military talent to shoulder the heavy task of reinforcing the army.

He said the university should coordinate its scientific research capacity and resources while ensuring that science and technology innovation are closely linked with real combat and army service.