Senior military official vows to build world-class force

BEIJING - Vice chairman of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Military Commission (CMC) Xu Qiliang has called on the Chinese army to thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress and President Xi Jinping's strategy for strengthening the military.

During his visit to an air force division ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year, Xu said the army should pursue the goal of building a strong and world-class force.

Strengthening the military is part of "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era," which was unveiled at the 19th CPC National Congress and enshrined in the Party Constitution in October.

Xu also underscored the importance of governing the military with strict discipline in every respect, requiring the military to continue the anti-corruption campaign and to keep fighting formalities and bureaucratism.

He urged the force to continue to conduct military training under combat conditions and improve their fighting capabilities.

The vice chairman extended greetings to the officers and soldiers ahead of the traditional Spring Festival, which falls on Feb 16 this year.