Book on former Chinese President's military thoughts published BEIJING, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- A book of former Chinese President Hu Jintao's thoughts on national defense and military construction has been published, according to military sources on Thursday. The book, which outlines Hu Jintao's thoughts on national defense and military construction, was examined and approved by the Central Military Commission (CMC) and CMC Chairman Xi Jinping, and was compiled by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Political Department. Hu served as CMC chairman between 2004 and 2012. Military units of the PLA are required to study the outline and use it to guide military-building and preparations for military combat, according to a statement released by the PLA General Political Department Thursday. Hu Jintao's thoughts on national defense and military construction are an important component of the Scientific Outlook on Development, the statement said. The Scientific Outlook on Development was put forward in 2003 at the Third Plenary Session of the 16th CPC Central Committee to facilitate overall, coordinated and sustainable development. The entire army should rally closely around the CPC Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping as the general secretary, resolutely implement the decisions and instructions by Xi, and advance the modernization of the Chinese military, the statement said.