Xi tells commanders to strengthen PLA

President orders vigilance at Southern Theater Command

NANNING - President Xi Jinping inspected the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army on Friday and stressed building a strong army.

Xi, who also is general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged all military personnel to safeguard the authority of CPC Central Committee and follow the Party's leadership.

He asked all military personnel to greet the 19th CPC National Congress scheduled for later this year with outstanding performance.

Noting that 2017 is of great significance for the Party and the country, Xi urged the PLA to strengthen combat preparation, ideological training and reform implementation.

Xi told PLA officers to eliminate the impact of Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou, two corrupt former CMC vice chairmen, and strictly observe political discipline and rules.

"It must be ensured that the PLA resolutely follows the command of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC at any time, in any circumstances," Xi said.

A new program will focus on studies of the Party Constitution and rules and speeches by Xi. He also called for members of the military to become qualified Party members.

He vowed to fight corruption and enhance the "sense of gain" among officers and soldiers.

Xi asked military personnel to strengthen their awareness in preparing for war, closely follow situational changes and make all efforts to enhance the Chinese military's combat capabilities.

Xi ordered an accelerated timeline for building the theater joint combat command system, swift development of a new type of fighting force and simultaneous improvement of national defense strength and economic development.

He asked for stronger military management, while caring for and developing officers and soldiers and ensuring the stability of troops.