BEIJING (Xinhua/MNN): Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday emphasized the importance of strengthening political loyalty within the armed forces and urged sustained efforts to accelerate the modernization of China’s national defence and military capabilities.
Xi, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks while attending a plenary session of the delegation of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the People’s Armed Police Force during the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing.
During the meeting, six lawmakers presented their views on military development and reform. After listening to their remarks, President Xi delivered a comprehensive speech highlighting the need for strong political discipline and loyalty within the armed forces.
Xi said that since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the Party leadership has worked with unprecedented determination to strengthen political rectification in the military and reinforce the principle of loyalty to the Communist Party. These efforts, he said, have produced significant results in improving discipline and governance within the armed forces.
He warned that there should be no place in the military for individuals who are disloyal to the Party or involved in corruption. Stressing the importance of clean governance, Xi said the campaign against corruption within the military must continue with firm determination.
Looking ahead to the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030), Xi called for strict supervisory mechanisms and stronger oversight systems to ensure transparency and accountability. He noted that particular attention should be given to monitoring financial flows, the exercise of authority and quality control in military projects.
Xi also underscored the need to further strengthen the leadership of the Communist Party and reinforce Party-building structures within the armed forces. According to him, stronger Party organizations at every level would help translate political leadership into practical momentum for military development.
The Chinese leader stressed the importance of consolidating the ideological foundation among officers and soldiers so they remain firmly aligned with the Party’s leadership and strategic direction. He said that advanced weapons and modern military equipment must be entrusted to personnel who demonstrate strong political commitment and discipline.
In addition, Xi called for systematic training and development of military personnel capable of handling joint operations, operating new types of combat forces, driving high-level technological innovation, and managing complex strategic operations.
He also urged the armed forces to continue promoting the traditional values and discipline that have historically defined the Communist Party and the Chinese military.
Zhang Shengmin, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, also attended the meeting.
