Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the military to deepen war and combat planning in order to increase the chances of victory in actual combat, according to Xinhua news agency. During an inspection of the Eastern Theater Command, Xi emphasized the need to safeguard China’s sovereignty and territory in a world that he described as being in a period of turmoil and change.

The Eastern Theater Command, responsible for the security of eastern China, including the East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, was the venue for Xi’s address. Earlier this year, Xi urged China to enhance its ability to safeguard national security and transform its military into a “Great Wall of Steel.”

Regarding Taiwan, which China claims as its own, Xi emphasized the need to oppose pro-independence and secessionist activities, as well as interference from external forces. China has repeatedly called on U.S. officials not to engage with Taiwanese leaders, seeing it as support for Taiwan’s desire for separate recognition.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, passing a law in 2005 that gives Beijing the legal basis for military action if Taiwan secedes or seems about to. Xi’s call to step up combat-readiness coincided with the visit of U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to Beijing, aiming to ease tensions between the two countries.

“We must persist in thinking and handling military issues from a political perspective, dare to fight, be good at fighting, and resolutely defend our national sovereignty, security, and development interests,” Xi told the Eastern Theater Command. In April, Xi inspected the Southern Theater Command, emphasizing the importance of deepening military training and preparation. This aligns with the Chinese navy’s increased assertiveness in countering the expanding U.S. maritime presence in the South China Sea.

China’s President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed the importance of military readiness and the defense of national sove

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the military to deepen war and combat planning in order to increase the chances of victory in actual combat, according to Xinhua news agency. During an inspection of the Eastern Theater Command, Xi emphasized the need to safeguard China’s sovereignty and territory in a world that he described as being in a period of turmoil and change.

The Eastern Theater Command, responsible for the security of eastern China, including the East China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, was the venue for Xi’s address. Earlier this year, Xi urged China to enhance its ability to safeguard national security and transform its military into a “Great Wall of Steel.”

Regarding Taiwan, which China claims as its own, Xi emphasized the need to oppose pro-independence and secessionist activities, as well as interference from external forces. China has repeatedly called on U.S. officials not to engage with Taiwanese leaders, seeing it as support for Taiwan’s desire for separate recognition.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, passing a law in 2005 that gives Beijing the legal basis for military action if Taiwan secedes or seems about to. Xi’s call to step up combat-readiness coincided with the visit of U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to Beijing, aiming to ease tensions between the two countries.

“We must persist in thinking and handling military issues from a political perspective, dare to fight, be good at fighting, and resolutely defend our national sovereignty, security, and development interests,” Xi told the Eastern Theater Command. In April, Xi inspected the Southern Theater Command, emphasizing the importance of deepening military training and preparation. This aligns with the Chinese navy’s increased assertiveness in countering the expanding U.S. maritime presence in the South China Sea.

While Xi presents his actions as defensive, Western analysts widely interpret them as a threat and a clear indication of China’s aggressive pursuit of regional dominance. In fact, this is certainly a thinly veiled threat to Taiwan and perhaps others.