GUANGZHOU, Feb. 21 (China Military News cited from Xinhua) -- A senior military officer of China has called for the country's armed forces to show obedience to the Communist Party as the country faces severe economic challenges and new situations in national security.

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, right, meets with Chinese Senior Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Gen. Guo Boxiong, in Beijing, China, Nov. 5, 2007

Guo Boxiong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the call during a recent inspection tour in Guangzhou, capital of southern Guangdong Province.

Given the country's severe economic challenges and new security situations, the military forces should foster the core values of "be loyal to the Party, love the people, serve the nation, be devoted to the mission, and worship glory," he said.

The core values were underscored by President Hu Jintao, who is also CMC chairman, at the end of last year.

All military forces should unify their will to the decision and deployment of CMC and make sure they uncompromisingly obey the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, CMC and its Chairman Hu Jintao's command under any circumstances, Guo said.

Guo, also a member of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, urged the military forces to further strengthen and expand their combat preparedness, and always be mindful of potential perils and their missions.

He called on the military forces to boost their fighting spirit and stand ready to be engaged in missions.

Efforts should be made to upgrade the military capacity to accomplish diverse military tasks with winning an information-based regional war at the core, he said.