Xi urges stronger political loyalty in military, calls for steady defence modernisation

BEIJING: Xi Jinping on Saturday called for fully leveraging the military’s political loyalty to the ruling party while urging sustained efforts to modernise China’s national defence and armed forces.

Xi—who also serves as general secretary of the Communist Party of China 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 during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress.

Six lawmakers addressed the meeting before Xi delivered a keynote speech outlining priorities for strengthening the armed forces.

Xi noted that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the Party’s leadership has driven political rectification within the military with “unprecedented resolve and intensity,” achieving significant results in reinforcing loyalty to the Party.

He stressed that the armed forces must have zero tolerance for disloyalty or corruption, warning that individuals lacking allegiance to the Party have no place in the military. Xi added that the anti-corruption drive within the armed forces must continue without compromise.

Looking ahead to the start of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030), Xi called for stricter oversight mechanisms, particularly in areas such as fund management, the exercise of power, and quality control.

He also emphasised strengthening Party leadership and organisational structures within the military to translate political authority into development momentum.

Xi further urged efforts to consolidate the ideological foundation among officers and soldiers to ensure that advanced weapons and equipment are entrusted to politically reliable personnel.

The Chinese leader also highlighted the need to train personnel for joint operations, emerging combat forces, advanced technological innovation and high-level strategic management.

He called for preserving and promoting the longstanding traditions of both the Party and the military as China advances its defence modernisation agenda.

Zhang Shengmin, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, also attended the meeting.