The reminder from President Xi comes amid a massive military modernization program across China’s armed forces. (Photo : Getty Images)
Prior to the start of festivities for the Chinese new year, President Xi has called upon the leaders of the military elite to rid their ranks of corruption and to follow the Communist Party's policies. Xi is set to visit troops in Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province.
This period has been consistently used by previous leaders to reiterate or make announcements on crucial policy initiatives or areas of concern, according to a report by the Channel News Asia.
President Xi is likely to visit other parts of the country during a holiday to ensure the whole country is in line with the administration's "reform mission."
Millions of Chinese will travel home during this time, as the whole country prepares for the week-long holiday, beginning on Friday.
Resisting Bad Examples
President Xi did not hesitate to cite the graft convictions of two senior officers, saying, "fully and thoroughly purge the pernicious influence of Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou," reports Chinese state television.
Guo and Xu were former chairmen of the Central Military Commission, a key government body which Xi heads. In 2015, Guo was jailed for life while Xu died of cancer even before he could face trial.
Flexing Its Military Muscle
The reminder from President Xi comes amid a massive military modernization program across China's armed forces. The country has recently intensified its efforts in developing high-tech stealth fighters and has recently unveiled its new aircraft carrier, the Liaoning.
With China's increasingly assertive activities in disputed areas in the South and East China Seas, many analysts and observers are keeping a close watch on the rising Asian superpower. China consistently maintains that its intentions are peaceful.
For President Xi, building a strong military will require improving political awareness and pushing ahead with reform--making sure that officials follow the law and the Party's directive.
