Military schools urged to focus on combat training

He asked the academy to better understand the characteristics of modern warfare and its role in the PLA Ground Force's transformation process, and make sure that its graduates are capable of fighting and winning wars.

The academy will improve its long-term planning and adhere to its goals, Xi said, adding it also will continue with reform and innovation and build a strong teaching team.

Before issuing the instructions, Xi met officials and professors at the academy, as well as senior commanders of military units stationed in Jiangxi. He watched a field training session by cadets at the academy who practiced tactical maneuvers and physical endurance skills under tough conditions.

This has been the president's fourth inspection tour to a military school since he became the military's commander-in-chief in late 2012. The previous three schools he visited were Beijing's PLA National Defense University, the National University of Defense Technology in Changsha, Hunan province, and the Special Police College of the Armed Police Force in Beijing.

The Chinese military has 43 military universities, colleges and academies, according to the Defense Ministry.