On December 31, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping commemorated the 70th anniversary of the People's Liberation Army Daily, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing national defense and military-civilian unity. In a congratulatory letter, President Xi, who also chairs the Central Military Commission, praised the newspaper's enduring commitment to "upholding the Party's absolute leadership over the armed forces" since its founding in 1955.
The PLA Daily has served as a critical platform for disseminating defense policies, technological advancements, and stories of military personnel. Xi emphasized its responsibility to "tell the stories of our heroic armed forces" amid evolving global security challenges.
Analysts note the anniversary coincides with recent milestones in China's military modernization, including the integration of AI into defense systems and expanded peacekeeping missions. The publication has also bridged civilian-military understanding through features on disaster relief operations and veteran entrepreneurship programs.
As China enters 2026, Xi urged the outlet to continue "inspiring patriotism and fostering unity" while adapting to digital media trends. The PLA Daily currently reaches over 20 million subscribers across print and online platforms.
