As the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) marks its 98th anniversary, President Xi Jinping’s vision for a modernized, world-class military takes center stage. The Chinese president, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, has consistently emphasized strengthening national defense capabilities while contributing to global stability.
Key Themes from Xi’s Addresses
Xi has repeatedly called for “building a strong military through reform, science, and talent,” underscoring innovation in defense technology. He highlighted the PLA’s role in “safeguarding national sovereignty” and supporting peacekeeping missions during a 2023 inspection tour.
Balancing Security and Global Cooperation
In recent speeches, Xi framed military modernization as complementary to China’s peaceful development path: “A strong army is a cornerstone for building a modern socialist country.” He also noted the PLA’s growing participation in international disaster relief and maritime security operations.
Focus on Technological Edge
The PLA anniversary coincides with breakthroughs in hypersonic systems and AI-driven logistics. Analysts suggest Xi’s push for “smart warfare readiness” reflects evolving security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
