Xi stresses army restructuring to enhance combat readiness

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R, front), also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with senior officers of the 71st Group Army of the People's Liberation Army in Xuzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Dec. 13, 2017. Xi inspected the 71st Group Army of the People's Liberation Army in Xuzhou on Dec. 13. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the army to restructure and enhance its combat capability.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks Wednesday when inspecting the 71st Group Army of the People's Liberation Army.

Xi told officers of the group army that they should grasp the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress and incorporate the principles into military practice.

The army was urged to strengthen Party organizations at all levels and ensure service men and women follow the command of the CPC Central Committee and CMC.

Xi stressed political discipline and rules in the military, efforts to fight corruption, and improving work style.

He also instructed the army to enhance its capability to win wars, implement restructuring plans, and improve army management and combat mobility.

"The army should innovate its training theories and methods, conduct more combat drills and build soldiers' morale," he said, urging commanding officers to take responsibility and demonstrate leadership.

During the inspection, Xi first visited a company where the hero soldier Wang Jie served in the 1960s. He died while trying to save 12 others.

He visited the company's room of honor, where Wang's photos and diaries are displayed. He then talked with soldiers of the squad named after Wang.

At the end of his visit, Xi took a photo with all the soldiers and officers of the company.

Xi also visited the headquarters of the group army, where he met with senior officers and delivered a speech.