China's armed forces completed their drills and routine military training with improved military theories and anti-terrorism training in 2003, sources with the country's armed forces said on Wednesday.

High-ranking officers with the Headquarters of the General Staff of the People's Liberation Army said the armed forces also deepened military training reforms using improved military theories and combat guiding principles.

This followed from in-depth study of electronic warfare, combat without real engagement, joint combat and other types of wars.

The reforms have resulted in increasing use of science and technology and information in military training, said an officer, who declined to be named.

The country's Nanjing Military Area Command and Guangzhou Military Area Command in east and south China made achievements in their drills and training close to real battles, the officer said.

The country's navy, air force and No. 2 Artillery Force, the country's missile troops, stepped up joint combat and command drills, the officer said, while the armed police forces gave priority to combat drills in handling emergency situations, fighting terrorism and national defense.

The Shenyang, Beijing and Jinan military area commands conducted drills in near real combat situations to improve their capability in commanding, fighting, coordination and logistics support.

The Lanzhou and Chengdu military area commands continued their training in high altitude and cold areas to solve issues facing maneuvering, survival, coordination and logistics.

The armed forces also restructured its military academies and training institutions for education reforms in a bid to produce better military professionals and grassroots military officers.

(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2004)