Xi repeats demand for China’s military to serve party
President delivers his call to the restructured corps-level units at PLA headquarters
President Xi Jinping has demanded military units be absolutely loyal to the Communist Party, in a call that comes just months before a key political meeting in the autumn, state media reported.
Speaking at the PLA’s headquarters in Beijing on Tuesday, Xi also said the army should remain on high alert and be ready for war at any time, according to the PLA Daily website.
Xi, who chairs the overarching Central Military Commission, delivered the imperative to chief officers of the 84 newly restructured corps-level units, which fall under the 15 main departments of the PLA.
He has made similar calls for the military to serve the party in the past, but this was the first one directed at the new units.
His remarks come as the party prepares for a major congress, held once every five years, in the autumn. A majority of the seats on the Politburo Standing Committee are expected to change, and Xi is likely to use the transition to further consolidate his power.
