President Xi Calls for Modernization of China’s Defense Systems

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need to modernize the country’s border, coastal, and air defense systems, aiming to strengthen and solidify these crucial areas. Xi made these remarks during a leadership group study session of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, ahead of the country’s Army Day, which falls on August 1.

In his capacity as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), Xi extended Army Day greetings to all service personnel, as well as members of the militia and reserve forces, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC.

During the session, Huang Jizhong from the CMC’s Joint Staff Department provided an in-depth analysis of the current state of China’s border, coastal, and air defense systems, offering several recommendations for their improvement. Members of the Political Bureau engaged in discussions following Huang’s briefing.

In his subsequent address, Xi highlighted that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee has spearheaded significant institutional reforms and initiated numerous key actions to enhance border, air, and sea defense. These efforts have played a crucial role in safeguarding China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, while also supporting the strategic goals of national security and development.

Despite these achievements, Xi noted that China’s defense systems face new opportunities and challenges, necessitating strengthened overall planning to enhance border defense capabilities. He called for intensified efforts to boost infrastructure connectivity and joint development to create a defense system that supports both national security and economic and social development.

Xi stressed the importance of integrating science and technology into national defense initiatives and urged greater emphasis on enhancing friendly and practical cooperation with neighboring countries to foster a favorable environment for China’s defense development.

Additionally, Xi underlined the significance of improving air traffic management, promoting the growth of the low-altitude economy, and optimizing the civil air defense model to ensure a comprehensive and modernized defense strategy.

As China prepares to celebrate Army Day, President Xi’s call for a robust and modern defense system underscores the country’s commitment to maintaining its sovereignty and enhancing its national security infrastructure.