Xi sends festive greetings to all service personnel

President Xi Jinping extended Spring Festival greetings on Tuesday to all service members of the country, while reviewing the armed forces' combat readiness and ongoing operations via video link from Beijing.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, expressed sincere regards on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC to service personnel of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force, civilian personnel posted in the military, and members of militia and reserve forces.

On Tuesday afternoon, Xi visited the CMC headquarters, from where he spoke via video link with nine military units.

During the interactions, he listened to their reports, engaged in cordial exchanges and praised their performance while emphasizing the need to enhance the building and application of the troops' combat capabilities.

Describing the past year as highly unusual and extraordinary, Xi said the armed forces had advanced in-depth political rectification, effectively addressed various risks and challenges, and forged ahead in the fight against corruption.

He affirmed that officers and soldiers across the military, especially those at the grassroots level, have steadfastly upheld the Party's leadership, faithfully fulfilled their duties, concentrated their efforts to overcome difficulties and successfully accomplished their tasks, proving themselves to be capable and dependable.

Xi urged all military units to enhance their combat readiness, maintain the prescribed state of alert, and respond promptly and effectively to potential emergencies.