Importance of continuous improvement highlighted amid new challenges and opportunities
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has called for continuous improvement of the nation’s border, coastal, and air defense systems.
Xi, who is also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said on July 30 that the modernization of the border, coastal, and air defense systems is an inherent requirement for the overall modernization of China’s national defense and armed forces, and an essential measure to safeguard the country’s development and rejuvenation.
He said that border, coastal, and air defense systems are important symbols of national sovereignty, major guardians of national security, and a crucial foundation of national development, and that the Party always attaches great importance to these systems.
Xi made the remarks at a study session of the Political Bureau of the 20th CPC Central Committee.
Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the Party has implemented a series of related reforms and measures. It has effectively protected the country’s sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and also ensured national security and a strategic advantage, said the general secretary.
Xi said that China’s border, coastal, and air defense systems have been facing new opportunities, challenges, and sophisticated variables emerging from the rapidly changing global geopolitical situation.
He said that authorities in charge of this work must uphold a systematic perspective, strengthen their overall consideration and planning, and improve the comprehensive capability of safeguarding the country.
He also called for the integrated development of border, coastal, and air defense systems and socioeconomic growth in border and coastal regions, requesting local and military authorities to enhance the joint construction and sharing of infrastructure.
More efforts should be placed on the use of science and technology to establish multidimensional, intelligent defense networks, Xi said, adding that friendly and practical cooperation with neighboring countries should be maintained to gain understanding and support for China’s endeavors on its defense systems.
The commander-in-chief also called for deepening reforms, boosting innovation, optimizing management mechanisms, improving coordination among local and military authorities, and strengthening the rule of law in this field.
Moreover, he underlined the importance of improving air traffic management, nurturing the sound growth of the low-altitude economy, and optimizing civil air-defense systems.
During the study session, Major General Huang Jizhong from the CMC’s Joint Staff Department elaborated on issues related to the establishment of modern border, coastal, and air defense systems, and put forward some suggestions.
As Aug 1 marked the 97th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army, Xi extended Army Day greetings on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC to all service personnel, members of the militia, and reserve forces.
In another development, Xi recently sent a reply letter to members of an armored infantry company of the PLA Ground Force to encourage them to hone their combat skills and make more contributions to the military.
Soldiers from the elite company, which Xi inspected during a visit 10 years ago, sent him a letter to report their work and achievements.
