Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday reviewed the country's armed forces' combat readiness and ongoing operations and extended Spring Festival greetings to all service members across the country as he spoke via video link in Beijing.
Ahead of the Spring Festival, which falls on Feb 17 this year, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), expressed sincere regards to service personnel of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police Force, civilian personnel posted in the military, and members of reserve forces and militia, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC.
Xi spoke via video link with nine units from different services of the military and the armed police. Each unit reported to Xi on their combat readiness and their ongoing missions, with many reporting they will stay on duty during the upcoming Spring Festival holiday period.
"Our battalion is primarily responsible for tasks such as joint reconnaissance. During the holiday period, we will maintain high alert, and stay ready to lift off on command at any time," said Battalion Commander Zhao Junqin and Political Instructor Chen Zhiguang, service members from a battalion of the PLA Ground Force.
"Since its commissioning, our ship has participated in over 10 long-range combat readiness operations. We are currently on standby for duty, ready to cast off and set sail at a moment's notice," said Captain Zhao Kehua and Political Commissar Sui Weitao from the amphibious assault ship Anhui of the PLA Navy.
"In the new year, we will continue to forge the 'Sharp Sword of the Southern Sky,' ready to take off and engage in combat at any time, resolutely guarding our ancestral seas and watching over the 'southern gate' [of our nation]," said Brigade Commander Liu Fei and Political Commissar Niu Yingfu, members of a PLA Air Force brigade.
"Our brigade possesses precision strike capabilities against both land and sea targets. The duty detachment is currently fully staffed and equipped, ready to act on command at all times to resolutely defend the nation's security," said Brigade Commander Cui Yan and Political Commissar Han Fengyun from a brigade of the PLA Rocket Force.
Xi told the servicemen to closely track current enemy activities, remain on high alert, and fulfill their mission, while the service members pledged that they will stay ever-vigilant and ready for battle.
"ur unit is responsible for satellite measurement, control, and data transmission tasks. We will efficiently manage the nation's space assets and firmly defend our country's high frontier," said Section Chief Shi Qixin and Political Commissar Jia Zhengping, service members from a section of the PLA Aerospace Force.
"Our unit is currently on combat readiness duty in the Yongshu Reef of the Nansha Islands. We remain on high alert at all times and resolutely defend the motherland's frontline in the South China Sea!" said Section Chief Meng Shengguo and Political Commissar Zhang Jie, service members from a section of the PLA Cyberspace Force.
"Thank you for your hard work. I hope you will continue to carry forward the Nansha spirit, fulfill your assigned tasks, especially work and life coordination," Xi responded.
"Currently, all support systems on the island are functioning effectively, with well-equipped living facilities. We will live up to your trust, and serve as loyal sentinels for the Party and the people," said the servicemen.
"Our center is mainly responsible for the development, operation, and maintenance of the intelligent systems. We are determined to provide digital and intelligent support for winning modern warfare," said Director Hou Xiaojun and Political Commissar Zhou Jianhua from a center of the PLA Information Support Force.
"Our depot is primarily tasked with developing strategic and operational reserves and supplying materials. We stand ready at all times for various support and logistical tasks," said depot head Zheng Zhejun and Political Commissar Huang Bo. service members from a depot of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force.
Xi urged the members of the logistics support force to strengthen their combat-oriented mindset and continuously enhance their support capabilities.
"We will certainly stick to our posts, diligently perform our duties, and strengthen training and drills to ensure that we can be deployed at any time, move into positions, and provide strong support! Rest assured, Chairman," the servicemen replied. "During the holiday, we will remain on standby around the clock to safeguard peace at the border. All officers and soldiers extend our New Year greetings to you, Chairman, from our combat posts!" said detachment head Wang Cunbao and Political Commissar Luo Zhiqiang, service members from a detachment of the People's Armed Police Force.
Xi praised the high morale and solid preparation of the service members, and encouraged them to intensify combat-oriented training, effectively utilize their armament, and enhance their combat capabilities.
Describing the past year as highly unusual and extraordinary, Xi said the people's armed forces had advanced in-depth political rectification, effectively addressed various risks and challenges, and undergone "a revolutionary tempering" in the fight against corruption.
Officers and soldiers across the armed forces, especially those at the grassroots level, have been loyal to the Party, faithfully fulfilled their duties, and proven themselves capable and dependable, Xi said.
Maintaining combat readiness during the holiday season is a fine tradition upheld by the armed forces, Xi said, urging the military to stay vigilant and safeguard both national peace and the well-being of the people.
"I hereby extend my festive greetings to all service personnel of the PLA, armed police force, civilian personnel in the army, and reserve forces and militia. I wish you a happy Spring Festival, success, happiness, and prosperity in the Year of the Horse," Xi said.
Xi extends Spring Festival greetings to service personnel
Xi extends Spring Festival greetings to service personnel
