Xi: Strengthen political loyalty in the military

President Xi Jinping has ordered the Chinese military to fully leverage its unique strengths of enhancing political loyalty in the military to advance modernization, as he met with lawmakers from the armed forces on Saturday.

Xi said the military must make all-out efforts to uphold, apply and develop its political faith to realize the centenary goal of the People's Liberation Army and advance the modernization of national defense and the armed forces during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period. He described such conviction as a "crucial asset" of the armed forces.

The military must unswervingly uphold and strengthen the Communist Party of China's absolute leadership, give full play to its unique political strengths, and rally service members to ensure steady and sustained progress in modernization, he said.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while attending a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress, China's top legislature.

He said that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee has led the military in improving political rectification and advancing political loyalty with unprecedented resolve and measures, achieving major results.

Xi stressed that there must be no place in the military for those disloyal to the Party and no safe haven for corruption, urging the armed forces to continue the anti-corruption campaign without letup.

At the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the military must establish strict rules for rigorous oversight, closely monitor fund flows, the exercise of power and quality control, and strengthen supervision of major projects, he said. Integrated oversight between the military and local governments should also be intensified to ensure projects proceed under strict supervision.

Xi also called for advancing reform of military budget management to ensure that funds are spent where they are most needed.

He urged the armed forces to comprehensively strengthen Party leadership and Party building in the military and turn the Party's strengths into development advantages.

Xi also called for enhanced political education among troops and improvements in the systems and conditions for selecting and training professional talent.

Furthermore, he said the military should carry forward the fine traditions of the Party and the armed forces, strengthen cultural development, and promote role models.

Before delivering his remarks, Xi listened to suggestions from six deputies who spoke on topics including Party leadership in scientific and technological research, the training of noncommissioned officers and upholding the military's traditions.

zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn