BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- China should improve its national defense mobilization system, Chinese President Hu Jintao said here on Wednesday.

　　"We must have the participation of the whole people in strengthening national defense," Hu said.

　　Hu, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, said a nation-wide education on national defense should be carried out in a bid to foster an atmosphere in which everybody supports and participates in the development of national defense.

　　"We must carry forward the fine tradition of relying on the people to enhance military capabilities and strengthen national defense," he said.

　　Closer relations between the army and the government and between the army and the people should be built, according to Hu.

　　Hu made the remarks at the grand rally to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and to honor the heroes and model servicemen of the PLA.