Chinese President Xi Jinping demanded the People's Liberation Army (PLA)'s "absolute loyalty" to the Communist Party of China (CPC) during a gathering of military chiefs of staff held in Beijing on Sunday.

Xi, who is also the chairperson of the Central Military Commission (CMC)'s, said the PLA headquarters must also have strong faith in the Party and implement central decisions smoothly, China Daily reported.

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The CMC serves as the highest commanding body of the Chinese army, the report added.

The president instructed PLA forces to sharpen their combat skills and technological abilities to succeed in the modern era.

"Headquarters of all People's Liberation Army (PLA) forces should improve their combat readiness and sharpen their ability to win a regional war in the age of information technology," state-run Xinhua News Agency Xi.

The meeting with the PLA chiefs of staff aimed to discuss strategies for improving the army's efficiency at the present situation. PLA general staff chief Fang Fenghui was among those who attended the Sunday meeting.

The Chinese president said military commanders must develop a deeper understanding of both the local and international security landscapes and keep up with the most recent military development. He also gave emphasis on discipline and efforts to reform China's defense, according to the report.

An official statement, which was released later, told PLA forces to follow all of Xi's instructions and conduct their operations in a way that is aligned with the CMC's goals and missions.

The main reason for the emphasis on absolute loyalty and smooth chain of command is yet to be determined, NDTV said.

However, the new directives come as the PLA face off with Indian troops in the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh, the report stated.

Xi is viewed as the country's most powerful leader next to Deng Xiaoping as he also took over the CPC and the army when he became president. He is also known for his ongoing anti-corruption campaign that has removed many politicians and some PLA generals from office.

Tagsloyalty, China-India