President Xi Jinping urged the People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF), the army of the Communist Party of China (CPC), to become "contemporary and standardized" so it can defeat potential foes.

Xi said the People's Liberation Army that oversees the five branches of the armed forces must ensure the PLAGF is capable of defending the interests of the CPC.

Like Us on Facebook

Speaking at the 95^th founding anniversary of the CPC on July 1, Xi said the upgrading of the PLA is part of China's policy of active defense. He said, however, that China has no plans to attack anyone.

"Creating an army that corresponds to the international status of our country is a strategic goal," said Xi.

"We should put together economic and defense development, modernize the army to make it contemporary and standardized ... We should comprehensively promote the military reform to create an army that will be disciplined and able to win."

"We will not show up at other people's front doors to flex our muscles. That does not show strength or scare anyone."

The largest standing army in the world, the PLAGF has a strength of 1.6 million personnel and a 510,000 strong reserve force.

China respects interests of other countries but will defend its rights and will not tolerate violations of its sovereignty and security interests, Xi pointed out.

"China does not infringe on the rights of others countries, is not envious of their development, but at the same time we would not renounce our legitimate rights.

"The Chinese nation is not afraid of both evil and troubles. Any state should not hope that we will trade with our vital interests, should not hope that we would tolerate violations of our sovereignty, security and interests of the development."

He said China will continue supporting peaceful development and will foster its relations with other states on the grounds of cooperation and mutual benefits. China opposes interference with internal policy of other countries.

In a swipe at the United States, Xi said he did not appreciate Washington meddling in China's affairs in the South China Sea, saying "we are not afraid of trouble."

"No foreign country ... should expect us to swallow the bitter pill of harm to our national sovereignty, security or development interests," he stressed. 

TagsPeople's Liberation Army Ground Force, President Xi Jinping, People's Liberation Army, Communist Party of China, South China Sea