A senior officer has urged the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to translate slogans into actions amid China's drive to build a stronger military.

No matter how brave and good at fighting a military is, it will undoubtedly decline if it gives up on reform and innovation, warned general Liu Yazhou, political commissar of the Beijing-based National Defense University, at a seminar on President Xi Jinping's instructions on national defense and military building.

Xi is also chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC).

"Today, we lack not exciting slogans but concrete actions. We have made our position clearly enough, but we are short of indomitable spirit facing up to difficulties," Liu was quoted as saying by Monday's edition of the PLA Daily.

Liu said the PLA must strengthen its capabilities to promote loyalty to the Communist Party of China and implement Xi's orders to build a strong military.

To be loyal to the Party, PLA officers must implement the Party's policies and regulations, voluntarily pay necessary prices during reform and be brave when confronting risks and challenges, he said.

The key to enhancing execution is to cast off vested interests and improve working styles, according to Liu.

He was echoed by Bi Jingjing, vice president of the National Defense University, who said combat ability is the single and fundamental criteria for building the PLA.

The deployment of resources and personnel must focus on sharpening combat ability, Bi said.

The seminar was also attended by political officers from the air force, the second artillery force as well heads of PLA colleges in Nanjing and Xi'an.