Hu criticizes military, calls for loyalty

President Hu Jintao criticized the military and called for absolute loyalty to the Communist Party as the country will face both economic hardship and sensitive anniversaries in 2009, the South China Morning Post reported. In a meeting with the Central Military Committee Hu criticized the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) for poor discipline and told generals, "We must make sure the army will follow the instruction of the CMC and the Communist Party at any time, under any circumstances." Hu said that military leaders must keep pace with rapidly changing domestic and international environments and prepare for possible "military struggle." In addition to facing a slowing economy and fears of social unrest, China this year will also mark the 50-year anniversary of the Tibet uprising and the 20-year anniversary of the Tian’anmen democracy protests.