Xi stresses building strong, modernized information support force

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for efforts to build a strong and modernized information support force and to realize leapfrog development of the Chinese army's network information system.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the statements when inspecting the information support force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army on Wednesday. The information support force is a newly established strategic branch of the military, and Xi presented a flag to the force at its establishment ceremony in April this year.

On Wednesday morning, Xi met with representatives of the information support force and had a group photo with them.

Then Xi listened to the work report of the force, and delivered an important speech.

Xi said that at present, the new round of scientific and technological revolution and military revolution are developing rapidly, the pattern of warfare is evolving at an accelerated pace, and the position and function of the network information system in modern war are unprecedentedly prominent.

First of all as a fighting force, the information support force must fully recognize the extreme importance of the construction of the network information system and the historical responsibility it bears, speed up the construction of the network information system and improve the ability to serve and support war preparations, Xi said.

Xi urged efforts to innovate the development model and actively practice it, so as to do a solid work in the construction of the network information system.

Xi called on the force to integrate and make good use of all kinds of data and information, attach great importance to network information security protection, accelerate the pace to integrate, drive and empower the system, and lead the innovation of command models and the transformation of combat methods.

Noting that the information support force is in its initial stage, Xi said it should comprehensively strengthen its self-construction, and attach importance to laying the foundation for long-term benefits, so as to lay a solid foundation for the development of the force.

Xi stressed that the Central Military Commission should strengthen overall planning, the relevant departments should take the initiative to provide guidance, and all institutions should actively cooperate to jointly build the information support force and create a new situation in the construction of the military network information system.

Xi stresses building strong, modernized information support force

Xi stresses building strong, modernized information support force

Xi stresses building strong, modernized information support force

Xi stresses building strong, modernized information support force

U.S. Federal Reserve officials largely agreed to hold interest rates steady at their late January meeting, but the minutes released Wednesday also reveal deep divisions over what the central bank should do next as inflation remains a major concern.

The summary of the Federal Open Market Committee's latest gathering showed that "almost all" participants agreed to maintain the benchmark interest rate at its current range of 3.5 to 3.75 percent. However, two members voted against that decision and preferred to lower the target range by a quarter percentage point.

The real divide emerged when policymakers turned their attention to the future.

Several members believed additional rate cuts would likely be appropriate if inflation continues to decline in line with their expectations, according to the minutes. But some argued that holding rates steady for an extended period would be the more prudent course as the committee carefully assesses incoming economic data.

A few participants even supported a two-sided description of the Committee's future interest rate decisions, allowing for the possibility of future rate hikes if inflation remains above target.

Most participants cautioned that achieving the central bank's two percent inflation target could be "slower and more uneven" than previously anticipated.

The Committee's next meeting is scheduled for March 17-18.

US Fed minutes reveal split on next move as inflation concerns persist