China President Xi Jinping orders armed forces to be combat ready

Bejing, Jan 5: Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the armed forces to enhance their combat readiness and be ready to break new ground for developing a strong military in view of the changes taking place in the world.

"The world is facing a period of major changes never seen in a century, and China is still in an important period of strategic opportunity for development," Xi said, on Friday, in a speech at a meeting of the Central Military Commission of which he is the chairman.

Warning of the various risks and challenges that are on the rise, he said the entire armed forces should have a correct understanding of China's security and development trends, enhance their awareness of danger, crisis and war, and make solid efforts on combat preparations in order to accomplish the tasks assigned by the Party and the people.

Regarding combat capability as the only and fundamental criterion, Xi ordered all work, forces and resources to focus on military preparedness and ensure a marked progress in this regard.

Xi stressed the armed forces' ability to respond quickly and effectively to contingencies, asking them to upgrade commanding capability of joint operations, foster new combat forces, and improve military training under combat conditions.
Party and government departments and agencies at the central and local levels are required to support the defence and military development.

Xi also signed a mobilisation order for the training of the armed forces, the CMC's first order in 2019.