The world has entered a new era of upheaval and change

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared Thursday that the country’s military should “dare to fight”, state media reported, as he inspected units in a tense area near Taiwan.

During an inspection of the People’s Liberation Army’s Eastern Field Command, Xi told the military that they should “dare to fight, and resolutely defend national sovereignty and security,” according to state broadcaster CCTV.

He added, “The world has entered a new era of turmoil and change, and the security situation in our country has become more turbulent.”

Deepening war planning

He also stressed that “it is necessary to deepen planning for war and for fighting… focus on military training for actual combat and accelerate the improvement of our ability to win.”

And he added that the army “must raise the ability of the leaders of the party committees to prepare for war and battle,” according to AFP.

diplomatic efforts

Xi’s visit is part of diplomatic efforts with the United States, Taiwan’s main security backer, with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen currently in Beijing for talks aimed at stabilizing economic relations.

China considers self-ruled Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to take control of the island one day, by force if necessary.