Xi inspects PLA Southern Theater Command, stresses advancing commanding ability

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, shakes hands with military officers as he inspects the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army, Oct. 25, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

President Xi Jinping on Thursday inspected the Southern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and stressed advancing capacity-building for commanding.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, ordered a thorough implementation of the Party's thought on building a strong military in the new era.

He stressed the need to focus on combat research and commanding, to advance work in all areas and accelerate developing strong and efficient joint-operation commanding institutions for theater commands to comprehensively boost the military's battle-winning ability.

At about 9:15 a.m., Xi visited a command post to learn about the joint-operation commanding system for theater commands. He commended the progress on capacity-building for joint-operation commanding, encouraged officers to uphold the spirit of reform and innovation, and keep on practicing and experimenting.

Xi had a video-conversation with field commanders on the coastal border and was pleased to learn the work of the troop is advancing steadily, with officers and soldiers in good morale.

He ordered the troop to keep a close watch for changes in the situations and to strengthen analysis to firmly protect border stability and safety of the people's life and property.

Xi then visited the theater command's headquarters. After hearing a report on their work, he underlined the importance of preparing for war and combat, while taking consideration of various complex situations, improving response plans and focusing on real-combat training.

Xi instructed theater commands to accelerate capacity-building for commanding and improve their commanding and operation systems to ensure smooth and efficient command.

Research on issues concerning war and combat should be encouraged to enhance the military's ability to win modern wars, he said.

Xi stressed that Party committees of theater commands must uphold the Party's absolute leadership over the military, arm officers and soldiers with the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the Party's thought on building a strong military, and consolidate the ideological foundation of absolutely obeying the Party's command.