Xi Jinping boards new bomber during NW China tour

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with a pilot of a bomber squadron in Xi'an, Shaanxi province on Feb 16, 2015.  [Photo/Xinhua]

XI'AN -- President Xi Jinping got into the cockpit of a new bomber during his inspection of the armed forces in Xi'an, capital city of northwest China's Shaanxi Province.

Xi, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited the training center and the tarmac of a bomber squadron on Monday.

Xi inspected various aircraft and entered the cockpit of a new bomber. He asked about the capabilities and features of the aircraft, and told the pilots to improve their combat skills to ensure that "battles can be won at crucial moments."

Xi also visited the offices of the provincial military area and extended Spring Festival greetings to all those in service nationwide.

He ordered military officers to strictly observe political rules and be committed to the absolute leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Calling senior officers "the crucial few", Xi said they should take the lead in strengthening the troops and advancing combat readiness and fighting capacity.

The president urged officers to stay clean and use their power in accordance with law.