The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has set up an information support force.
President Xi Jinping presented a flag to the force at its establishment ceremony held in Beijing on Friday.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed solid efforts to build a strong and modernized information support force.
At the ceremony, which started at 16:00, Xi presented the flag to Bi Yi and Li Wei, who serve as the force's commander and political commissar, respectively.
Xi said that the establishment of the information support force is a major decision that the CPC Central Committee and the CMC has made in light of the overall need of building a strong military.
Xi stressed that the information support force is a new, strategic branch of the military and a key pillar in coordinating the construction and application of the network information system. It will play a crucial role in advancing the Chinese military's high-quality development and competitiveness in modern warfare.
He ordered the force to resolutely obey the Party's command, and make sure it stays absolutely loyal, pure and reliable.
Xi urged the force to integrate deeply into the Chinese military's joint operation system, carry out information support operations in a precise and effective manner, and facilitate military operations in various directions and fields.
He also urged efforts to build a network information system that fulfills the requirements of modern warfare and features the Chinese military's own characteristics, as well as efforts to accelerate the development of integrated combat capabilities more effectively.
Li Wei spoke on behalf of the new force.
After the ceremony, Xi met with the force's commanding team and posed for a group photo with them.
Zhang Youxia, vice chairman of the CMC, announced the order of force establishment, which was signed by Xi. He Weidong, another CMC vice chairman, presided over the ceremony.
The new force is under the direct leadership and command of the CMC.
Xi presents flag to PLA's information support force
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
