Chinese President Xi Jinping this week urged troops to raise their readiness for war, state media reported, just days after Beijing staged large-scale military exercises around Taiwan.
According to state broadcaster CCTV, Xi made the comments while visiting a People's Liberation Army missile force brigade on October 17.
He said the military should "comprehensively step up training and preparation for war, and ensure that troops have solid combat capabilities," the TV station reported.
"The troops must strengthen their strategic deterrence and combat capabilities," the state leader said.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has stepped up shows of force around the self-ruled island in recent years.
On Oct. 14, Beijing deployed fighter jets, drones, warships and coast guard ones to encircle Taiwan - the fourth round of large-scale military exercises around the democratic island in just over two years.
China's communist leaders insist they will not rule out using force to bring Taiwan under Beijing's control.
Xi also said the Chinese military must "resolutely defend the country's strategic security and core interests." | BGNES
