Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday extended Spring Festival greetings to all servicemen of the country during an inspection of the armed forces via video link.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee (CPC) and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), extended festive greetings to officers and soldiers of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force, civilian personnel posted in the military, and members of reserve forces and militia, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC.

"I wish you a happy Spring Festival, success in your endeavors, happiness for your families, and good luck in the Year of the Horse!" said Xi.

The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional festival for the Chinese. This year it falls on Feb 17, ushering in the Year of the Horse.