HEFEI: Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the country’s strategic missile troops to enhance their deterrence and combat capabilities to better safeguard national security and protect the country’s core interests, China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Xi made the remarks during an inspection of a brigade of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Rocket Force on Thursday, Xinhua reported.
Xi visited the brigade—one of China’s key strategic missile units with a history of over 50 years. The brigade has played a vital role in major military operations, particularly since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, having intensified its training under real combat conditions.
During his visit, Xi observed the brigade’s training exercises and assessed its newly introduced weaponry and equipment. He urged the officers and soldiers to master the tactical and technical aspects of the advanced arms at their disposal and emphasized the need to fulfill the tasks assigned by the Party and the people.
“You must strengthen your strategic deterrent and combat capabilities,” Xi told the brigade’s personnel, calling on them to make full use of their advanced weapons and ensure readiness to defend China’s strategic security interests.
In his address to the troops, Xi reiterated the importance of upholding the absolute leadership of the Party over the armed forces and highlighted the need to strengthen Party-building at the grassroots level within the military. He also stressed the need for targeted training that incorporates new equipment, skills, and combat methods to improve overall preparedness.
Xi called for enhanced support systems and a systematic approach to further boosting combat capabilities, underscoring the PLA Rocket Force’s crucial role in safeguarding China’s national security. His visit and speech come at a time when China is focusing on modernizing its military to address growing global tensions and protect its strategic interests.
