Beijing, Sep 14 (IANS): A senior Chinese general has urged the army not to be slack and be prepared for any possible military combat. The remark comes amid rising tensions between China and Japan over some disputed islands.

Efforts should be made to ensure that the military is capable of resolutely performing its duty to safeguard the country's national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity whenever it is needed by the Party and the people, said Gen. Xu Caihou, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission.

Xu made the remarks Thursday during an inspection of military units in north China's Shanxi Province, reported Xinhua.

The military should improve its competence in the deterrent and operational missions, Xu said.

The army should always keep its political resolution, ideological stability and unity, Xu said.

Moreover, Xu told the military to improve efforts to keep the soldiers well-informed of important current events and policies.

China and Japan claim rights over the disputed islands in the East China Sea. It lies on a vital shipping route and are surrounded by large hydrocarbon deposits beneath them.

Japan says it has controlled the islands since 1895 until its surrender at the end of World War II. The islands were controlled by the US from 1945 to 1972 and subsequently returned to Japan's control. China claims the islands' discovery and control since the 14th century.