Vows to fight corruption in Army

Chinese President Xi Jinping has underlined the need for building a combat-ready Army and accelerate the building of the theatre joint combat command system, amidst the PLA’s flexing of muscles in the disputed South China Sea.

Mr. Xi made the comments while inspecting the Southern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) on Friday and stressed building a strong Army which should also avoid being corrupt.

Preparing for war

He vowed to fight corruption and enhance the “sense of gain” among officers and soldiers of the 2.3 million-strong People’s Liberation Army, the world’s largest.

Mr. Xi asked military personnel to strengthen their awareness in preparing for war, closely follow changes in situations and make unremitting efforts to enhance combat capabilities.

He called for an accelerated building of the theatre joint combat command system, vigorous development of a new-type fighting force and simultaneous improvement of national defence strength and economic development, the official Xinhua news agency quoted him as saying.

His comments came amid China’s maritime disputes with its South China Sea neighbours.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea.

In his speech, Mr. Xi also urged all military personnel to resolutely safeguard the authority of CPC Central Committee, unswervingly follow the Party’s leadership and combat corruption.