BEIJING -- Chinese Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan Monday elaborated on the methods to enhance army-building, highlighting the mechanization and IT capabilities of the People's Liberation Army.

"We will adapt ourselves to the new trend in the conduct of war and fighting, address the actual need of the PLA to strengthen its mechanization and IT capabilities," Cao told a reception marking the PLA's 79th birthday, which falls on August 1.

He said the PLA will promote the transformation of military training from under mechanized conditions to that under IT conditions, and enhance the mission-executing capability.

It will also conduct strict and tough training under war conditions and establish a scientific system of military training under IT conditions.

Cao pledged to strengthen the upgrading of weaponry and equipment and vowed to master key and core defense technologies with independent intellectual property rights.

He vowed to develop modern logistics, enhance military capabilities while cutting costs and to run the army strictly and according to law.

"China is now in a key period of reform and development. This is also an important period of accelerating the enhancement of China's military capabilities," Cao said.

The PLA will redouble its efforts in building in an all-round way a "revolutionary, modern and regular army" and ensure that it can effectively handle crises, prevent war and maintain peace in any complex environment, Cao said.