Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to advance rapidly in its modernization efforts as the 96th anniversary of the PLA approaches on Tuesday.
According to the official Xinhua news agency, President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of increasing the military’s combat capability and readiness during his address. Another official PLA newspaper said the military had improved its ability to carry out a wide variety of military tasks across a larger area.
This year, China showed off its military prowess by intensifying military maneuvers and drills, signaling that its third and most advanced aircraft carrier will soon begin sea trials, and strengthening its military ties with Russia.
Chinese military analyst Song Zhongping explained the rise in drills’ intensity and frequency by saying, “The reason is simple: the world is not peaceful, and the external environment that China faces continues to deteriorate.”
The United States is increasing its regional deployments and strengthening ties with long-standing allies and newer friends, prompting calls from Chinese officials that Washington should stay clear of China’s coasts if dialogue is to resume between the two militaries.
