Xi's words were echoed in a government work report delivered by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on March 5.

Addressing lawmakers from across the country, Li said "we will coordinate national defense development and economic development and deepen the integration of the military and civil sectors."

Governments at all levels must always take an active interest in and support the strengthening of our national defense and armed forces, and remain committed to consolidating and increasing the unity between the government and the armed forces and between the people and the armed forces, Li said.

Xi Jinping also called for further integration of military and civilian undertakings that could cover multiple areas and generate high returns, and urged military and local authorities to advance work while taking into accounts the overall development of the entire Party and the country.

Their work should follow the guidance from the central government and meet the market demands, Xi said, adding that a systematic mechanism that features effective incentives should be put in place.

He also underline supervision and accountability in the implementation of the civil-military integration stragety, which should be put in the framework of law, he said.

Calling civil-military integration a unique advantage enjoyed by Chinese armed forces, Xi urged the PLA to actively take part in and reinforce local economic and social development, and contribute to people's well-being through actual deeds.

Meanwhile, local Party committees and governments should offer greater support for national defense and the PLA's capacity-buiding and work to fortify ties between the armed forces and the government and people, in order to pool strength for the Chinese dream and the dream of a stronger army, Xi said.