BEIJING, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao paid visits to the Beijing Military Area Command and a local communication station of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Wednesday, just days ahead of the traditional Lunar New Year. Hu, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, first conveyed New Year greetings to the soldiers on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission.

This year's Lunar New Year falls on January 26.

He urged the PLA soldiers to promote military values and make further contributions to national defense and modernization.

The PLA soldiers should be loyal to the Party, love the people, and be dedicated to their career while serving the country and upholding military glory, Hu said.

On Wednesday night, Hu joined with army officers and other staff in a gala party held in downtown Beijing.

Other senior Chinese leaders attending the party include Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang.