Xi Jinping tells Chinese military to be 'ready to fight and win wars'

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is also the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), has exhorted the country’s armed forces to further enhance their combat capabilities and readiness for war.

Xi made the observations while inspecting the CMC joint battle command centre as its commander-in-chief, an official media report said on Friday. CMC is the overall high command of the 2.3 million-strong Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), the world's largest army. 

"The CMC should lead the armed forces to be ready to fight and win wars, and to undertake the missions and tasks of the new era entrusted to them by the party and the people," Xi was quoted as saying by state-run Xinhua news agency.

This is the second time Xi has highlighted the role of the armed forces since he began his second term after securing the endorsement of the key Congress of the ruling CPC which concluded in Beijing on October 24.

He was re-elected as president, general secretary of the party, and head of the military.

In his meeting with the military top brass, he ordered them to be absolutely loyal to the party, to focus on how to win wars, to pioneer reforms and innovation, to  scientifically manage commanding a unit, to lead troops in accordance with the strictest standards and to be in the forefront in complying with laws and regulations. 

(With PTI inputs)

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