BEIJING, May 25, 2006 - China today announced a plan to develop its own high-tech "new-generation" weapons, reflecting a growing recognition that it must become self-reliant instead of depending on foreign purchases.

The plan calls for stepping up innovations in high and new technology weaponry over the coming 15 years to reinforce a "mechanised and information-based army," the Xinhua news agency said.

Some of the technology would also be used for civilian purposes, it said.

The focus would be on weapons for the space industry, aviation, ship and marine engineering, nuclear energy and fuel, and information technology, the plan said.

China would also upgrade its defense industry with digital technology, according to Xinhua.

Specifics were not given.

The plan was passed by the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense at a meeting today in Qingdao city in east China's Shandong province.

Analysts said they were not surprised, noting that China has been making efforts to improve its research and development capability, particularly in the defense industry.

"All of this is part of a self-reliance strategy that any country, particularly any major power, views as important," said Robert Karniol, Asia-Pacific editor of Jane's Defence Weekly in Bangkok.

"If you're dependent on foreign sourcing for your military equipment or for spare parts to keep your military running, then you're held hostage."

An annual U.S. Defense Department report said Russia was the source of 95 per cent of China's US$13 billion in foreign weapons purchases from 2000 to 2005.

China has been trying to diversify sourcing, targetting Israel and European countries, but its efforts have been blocked by strong opposition from Washington.

Israel, which supplied China with HARPY unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, has begun to strengthen controls over its military exports, the U.S. report said.

The European Union has also shelved discussions on lifting the arms embargo imposed after the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.

According to China's plan, special projects would be carried out on large aircraft, pressurised water reactors and high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, nuclear power stations, manned space missions and lunar probe programs.

China has a successful space program, but its ability to produce high-tech weapons is not strong.

"Perhaps a strong example of that has been its failure to develop engines to power advanced military platforms. Traditionally it has to use foreign engines for its upper level ships," Karniol said.

He added that while China produced aircraft engines, they were not good enough to power advanced figher aircraft.

China also lacks and covets an aircraft carrier.