Hu Jintao, the Chinese president and general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, says the proper transfer of military officers to civilian work will have an impact on the country's reform and development.

"CPC committees and governments at all levels should improve placement policies and explore new approaches in compliance with national and military conditions," said Hu, who is also Chairman of the Central Military Commission.

Hu also asked military officers facing career transitions to understand the difficulties of regional authorities in allocating them jobs. He asked them to accept and respect the jobs they are provided.

Hu's instructions were conveyed to a national video and telephone conference held in Beijing Thursday to discuss placement of military officers in civilian posts.

Li Jinai, a member of the Central Military Commission and director of the General Political Department of the Chinese People's Libation Army, cited 2006 as a crucial year for the transfer of military officers to civilian work.

China made a decision in 2003 to reduce its troops by 200,000 to 2.3 million.

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2006)