Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for deepening political reform in the military to maintain the purity and honour of the people's armed forces. Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while speaking at the opening ceremony of a training course for senior military officials. The event was held the same day at the National Defence University in Beijing.

He called for a new political approach to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, which the country will commemorate in 2027.

Xi stressed the importance of ideals and convictions, saying that being part of the Party and the army means a firm belief in Marxism and loyalty to the Party. He urged high-ranking military leaders to set an example in consistently carrying out intra-Party political activities and speak the truth openly.

Any ideas or actions motivated by personal gain and corruption are, in his view, completely incompatible with the nature and mission of the party.

Xi also urged the army leaders to restore and develop the good traditions of the Party and the army, get rid of official haughtiness and stay true to the identity of revolutionary servants.

He also stressed that all are equal before the laws and regulations and that there are no exceptions in their observance or enforcement.

Xi expressed his belief that the army, through unprecedented cohesion and unity under new historical conditions, will write a new chapter in building a strong army.

Zhang Shengmin, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, presided over the opening ceremony of the training.

CMG