China's Xi says 'modern governance' guarantee to achieve army's centenary goals

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – A “modern governance system” provides a “strong guarantee" for achieving the centenary goals of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), China’s President Xi Jinping has said, state media reported.

Xi, at a session of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Monday, called for promoting “high-quality development” of the armed forces.

The session was held ahead of the Aug. 1 Army Day to commemorate the founding of the PLA, which will marks its 100th anniversary in 2027.

Pointing out CPC's military governance philosophy and methods, Xi emphasized its "crucial role" in modernizing China's system and capacity for governance.

“It is essential to recognize the significance of strengthening all-around military governance, as the PLA, amid rapid advances in global sci-tech revolutions and profound changes in military affairs, is at a crucial juncture in its drive to achieve the goals for its centenary,” Xi said.

Last week, Xi doubled down on the CPC having "absolute" control over the Chinese military, urging the armed forces to enhance combat readiness.

The CPC’s control over the armed forces "serves as a vital political guarantee towards achieving the centenary goal of the PLA," he said.

In October last year, addressing the opening session of the 20th National Congress of the CPC, Xi had said: “We will innovate the guidance of military strategy, develop strategies and tactics of people's war, build a strong system of strategic deterrent forces, raise the presence of combat forces in new domains and of new qualities, and deeply promote combat-oriented military training.”