President Xi Jinping Calls To Modernise Chinese Military To Make It 'Great Wall Of Steel'

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called to modernise the country’s military to make it a 'Great Wall of Steel'.

Chinese President Xi Jinping

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New Delhi: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called to modernise the country’s military to make it a ‘Great Wall of Steel’, reported Reuters. Amid mounting tensions with the United State of America, Xi said China needs security to develop and modernise its military. 

Xi was speaking at the closing of the annual parliament session for the first time since his record-breaking election as the head of the state for the third time. He said that Beijing must step up its ability to safeguard national security and manage public security. 

“Security is the foundation for development, stability is the prerequisite for prosperity,” he said, as quoted by Reuters. 

In its biggest cabinet shuffle in a decade, Xi has replaced top security officials with his loyal allies with an aim to control the security matters of the country. 

During his address, Xi also said that China must achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. Notably, his remarks come as the United States blocked China’s access to chip-making equipment and other cutting-edge technologies. 

Speaking over Taiwan, the Chinese president said that Beijing must oppose pro-independence and secessionist activities and the interference of external forces.  

Chinese President Xi Jinping has recently nominated another close ally for a key position in a government reshuffle to have more control in his hand. He named one of his close confidantes, Li Qiang as the country’s next premier, reported The Guardian citing the official Xinhua news agency. 

The announcement was made during the ongoing annual meeting of China’s parliament. As per the report, Li Qiang is the former Communist party chief of Shanghai, China’s largest city. He served as Xi’s chief of staff between 2004 and 2007, when Xi was the provincial party secretary of eastern China’s Zhejiang province. 

Li Qiang will replace Li Keqiang, who became the country’s premier in 2013 amid hopes that he would bring in liberal reforms. According to The Guardian’s report, Li Keqiang’s power was curbed by Xi, who increasingly sidelined him and placed allies in key strategic positions over him.