China Should Strengthen Coastal Defense: Minister

China must eye improving information technology in maritime management to boost coastal defense, Chinese defense minister said Sunday.

China's Defense Minister Chang Wanquan during a meeting on coastal defense at the Jinan Military Area Command on said stressed on boosting overall national security.

He said that efforts should be made to boost development of the nation's coastal defense.

Chang stressed the overall national security outlook must be upheld and strategic importance should be attached to building coastal defense.

Chang stressed that economic development and strengthening national defense should be balanced and coordinated, and he called on everyone to care for the sea and support coastal defense.