1st LD Writethru: Build a strong, modern strategic support force: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday asked for greater effort in building a strong and modern strategic support force.

Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks during an inspection of the offices of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Strategic Support Force.

The strategic support force bears a historic mission, it must strive to be the best in the world and be brave in innovation and exceeding others, Xi said.

Established late last year as part of military and national defense reform, the strategic support force is a new type of combat force to secure national security and an important aspect of the PLA's joint operations system, Xi said.

"Innovation is what we need most in building the strategic support force. Innovation is the fundamental solution, " said Xi, urging the force to focus on real combat, efficiency, and integration of military and civilian development.

The force should always stay on alert and maintain combat preparedness, map out a development strategy and a capacity building plan, build a new training system, and enhance its deterrence and warfighting capabilities, Xi said.

Xi particularly stressed innovation in military theory and technology, calling for the fostering of new types of combat forces and high-level creative talent.

Xi told the force to educate and guide its soldiers and officers to stick to "the absolute leadership" of the Party and urged Party committees within the force to improve their ability to guide military development and manage Party members.

Fan Changlong and Xu Qiliang, vice chairmen of the CMC, accompanied Xi on the inspection. Endi