Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Wednesday stressed upholding the absolute Party leadership over the people's armed forces.
When delivering a speech at a gathering celebrating the 105th founding anniversary of the CPC, Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said a strong country must have a strong military, as only then can it guarantee the security of the nation.
"On the new journey, we must fully implement the Party's thinking on strengthening the military in the new era, carry out the military strategy for the new era, maintain the Party's absolute leadership over the people's armed forces, and unswervingly follow the path of building a strong military with Chinese characteristics," said Xi.
Xi urged efforts to enhance political loyalty in the military, strengthen the military through reforms, scientific and technological advances and talent training, and run the military in accordance with the law.
He also stressed efforts to achieve the goals for the centenary of the People's Liberation Army in 2027 and elevate the people's armed forces to world-class standards at a faster pace.
"We shall promote high-quality modernization of the national defense and the armed forces, achieve the centenary goals of the People's Liberation Army on schedule, elevate the people's armed forces to world-class standards at a faster pace, so as to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, and make greater contributions to safeguarding world peace and development," he said.
Xi stresses absolute Party leadership over people's armed forces
