China calls for accelerating the high-quality modernization of national defense and the armed forces
Building a modern military requires not only advanced equipment but also stronger governance, highly trained personnel and the integration of cutting-edge technologies. As the global security environment continues to evolve, military modernization remains a key component of China's long-term development strategy.
Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), called for stronger political leadership and deeper innovation to advance the high-quality modernization of China's national defense and armed forces. He made the remarks while chairing a study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
Xi, who also serves as Chairman of the Central Military Commission and President of China, called for achieving the goals set for the centenary of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 2027 and making decisive progress in the fundamental modernization of national defense and the armed forces. He said these efforts would provide strong strategic support for building a great modern socialist country and advancing Chinese modernization.
The meeting was held ahead of PLA Day on August 1. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, Xi extended holiday greetings to members of the PLA, the People's Armed Police, civilian personnel of the armed forces, as well as reservists and militia members.
During the session, Sun Zheng from the Strategic Planning Department of the Central Military Commission delivered a lecture on promoting high-quality military modernization. Following the discussion, Xi noted that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the PLA has become a significantly more modern and capable force, achieving historic progress in strengthening the military.
He stressed the need to uphold the Party's absolute leadership over the armed forces, strengthen political loyalty, continue combating corruption and improve oversight of major military projects to ensure that all initiatives prioritize quality, efficiency and integrity.
Xi also called for expanding the military application of intelligent unmanned technologies, advancing networked information systems and steadily building an intelligent military system. He emphasized improving combat capability through integrated force development, rigorous operational testing, enhanced military training and stronger combat readiness to safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests.
He further called for strengthening the integrated national strategic system, improving military governance, optimizing institutional mechanisms and encouraging central government departments, local Party committees and governments to actively support national defense development.
The People's Liberation Army was founded on August 1, 1927. China has set the goal of achieving major milestones in military modernization by the PLA's centenary in 2027 as part of the country's broader modernization agenda.
As reported by CCTV+, Xi Jinping said that advancing the high-quality modernization of national defense and the armed forces will provide strong strategic support for China's long-term development.
