On the eve of China’s Army Day, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday asserted that it is the ruling Communist Party that “commands the gun” and asked the military to make resolute efforts to become the world’s best army by 2027, on par with that of the US.
A key conclave of the Communist Party of China (CPC) headed by 68-year-old Xi last year finalised plans to build a fully modern military on par with that of the US by 2027.
By the year 2027, which marks the centennial of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), China will build a fully modern military on par with that of the US, a goal that is in alignment with the national strength and will fulfil the future national defence need, media reports said.
Addressing a group study session of the CPC Political Bureau on Saturday, Xi — who heads the CPC and the powerful Central Military Commission (CMC), besides the prospects of lifelong tenure in power unlike his predecessors — called for resolute will and determination to work hard to achieve the goals set for the PLA centenary to be celebrated in 2027.