Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the rapid development of a world-class military, saying China must strengthen its armed forces to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests amid an increasingly complex global security environment.
Speaking during a high-level military meeting, President Xi said China must “accelerate building a world-class military to protect our sovereignty and interests,” stressing that national defense remains central to the country’s long-term development strategy.
Xi emphasized that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) should continue modernizing its capabilities through technological innovation, advanced weapons systems, artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and improved combat readiness. He said building a stronger military is essential to protecting China’s territorial integrity and maintaining national security.
The Chinese leader also called for deeper military reforms, urging the armed forces to improve training standards, operational efficiency, and joint combat capabilities while accelerating the integration of emerging technologies into defense operations.
His remarks come as geopolitical tensions continue to rise in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly over the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, and strategic competition between China and the United States. Beijing has repeatedly stated that it will firmly defend what it considers its territorial sovereignty and core national interests.
China has significantly increased its defense spending over the past decade, investing heavily in modern naval vessels, advanced fighter aircraft, missile systems, space capabilities, and cyber defense infrastructure. The country now possesses one of the world’s largest standing militaries and continues expanding its military presence both regionally and globally.
Defense analysts say Xi’s latest comments reflect Beijing’s determination to complete the modernization of the PLA by the middle of the century, positioning China as a military power capable of protecting its global economic interests and responding to evolving security challenges.
The statement is also expected to draw international attention as countries across the Asia-Pacific continue strengthening their own defense capabilities amid growing regional competition.
While Chinese officials maintain that the country’s military development is defensive in nature, several Western governments have expressed concerns over the pace of China’s military expansion and its increasing influence in strategic waterways.
Despite these concerns, Beijing insists that a stronger military is necessary to ensure national stability, deter external threats, protect economic development, and contribute to international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.
President Xi concluded by urging military leaders to remain committed to innovation, discipline, and modernization as China continues its efforts to build one of the world’s most advanced and capable armed forces.
