Today, we are closer to the goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation than any other time in history, and we need to build a strong people's military more than any other time in history.

—Speech given by President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, during a military parade at Zhurihe training base in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region on July 30, 2017

Twenty-four helicopters fly in the formation of the number "90" symbolizing the epic journey of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in 90 years during a military parade at Zhurihe training base in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, July 30, 2017. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/China Daily]

The implementation

I. Reshaping PLA

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the Party has put forward the goal of building a strong military that follows the Party, fights to win and forges exemplary conduct.

The Party has strengthened political work within the armed forces and made firm efforts to ensure a clean environment and fight corruption in the military.

A series of major structural reforms have been made in recent years, including the establishment of the PLA Army General Command, the PLA Rocket Force and the PLA Strategic Support Force.

The four general departments were reorganized into 15 agencies of the CMC, and five theater commands have replaced the seven military area commands. The CMC has taken charge of the overall military administration, while theater commands focus on operations and different services on troop developments.

"The system, structure, pattern and image of the people's military have all been renewed," Xi said.

Moreover, Xi said the fundamental changes have taken place in the governance of the military. Putting combat effectiveness as the "sole and fundamental" standard for the military, the PLA remains resolved in safeguarding the country's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.