BEIJING - China's Central Military Commission (CMC) urged the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to promote the rule of law in all elements of the army, according to a document issued Thursday.

The document, approved by Chinese President and CMC chairman Xi Jinping, stressed that the army should be run in accordance with laws in order to build a stronger force.

"A modernized army is an army run in accordance with laws," it said.

A comprehensive and effective system of military laws and regulations, as well as systems of enforcement and supervision should be established, it said, adding that laws and regulations should be suitable to the way in which a modern military is built and its combat needs.

The rule of law in the army should be promoted together with strictly enforced military disciplines as well as ideological work, according to the document.

It stressed the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) over the PLA in the promotion of rule of law in the army.

Officers and soldiers' belief in the rule of law should be strengthened, it said.