China must always be ready for war: Chinese MoD

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Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe said on Wednesday that China's army needs to boost its combat capabilities, always ready itself for war, and remain committed to the defense of the country's sovereignty, security, and interests. 
 
Last Sunday, President Xi Jinping delivered a report titled "Hold High the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Strive in Unity to Build a Modern Socialist Country in All Respects" at the opening of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CCP). 

While Fenghe and other officials from the defense ministry were discussing the report, the minister said that over the past decade, the Chinese army had overcome important challenges and realized outstanding achievements on the path of "modernization with Chinese characteristics," and this is particularly owed to the leadership of the CCP Central Committee and Xi.

Wei further noted that the road ahead is paved with obstacles and he stressed that there is a need to implement strategic arrangements that were made at the congress.

He said that Xi’s ideas on strengthening the military must be implemented, as well as enhancing combat capabilities, strengthening combat morale, maintaining a high degree of vigilance, always be ready for war and resolutely defending national sovereignty, security and development interests. 

On September 16, China's Communist Party held its most important event this year, as around 2,300 delegates from China gathered at the Beijing Great Hall of the People for the congress.

During the course of the congress until October 22, delegates will decide on the country's developmental trajectory by agreeing on a series of social and economic development initiatives for the next five years and appointing the CCP’s top leadership.

This year's event marks the 20th since the party's founding in 1921. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to be elected for a third term as the party's leader - an unprecedented feat, as it would break the norm established by Xi's two predecessors -, thus fixing China's current policy trend for another half-decade.

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In the face of rising tensions with the US and the West, China has been ramping up its military capabilities.

China has not only been the target of measures to punish it economically, but also has been threatened with provoking moves by the US to destabilize the country's territorial integrity. 

On September 21, Xi urged the Chinese army to strenghten its military capabilities through reform. The demands as set by Xi are as follows: concise implementation of successful experience in past reforms, an understanding of the new situation and missions, and a focus on combat readiness.

He also urged high-ranking representatives of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC), the People’s Armed Police Force, and military academics to mobilize efforts into implementing reform tasks and manage future reforms to provide strong impetus for achieving the goal set for the centenary of the People's Liberation Army.

On Ocotber 17, a report published by Wall Street Journal revealed that the war in Ukraine has exposed vulnerabilities in the US defense industry, highlighting the inability to face China in a possible war.

According to the report, citing the forecast of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), reserves of M777 howitzers, 155-millimeter caliber shells, Javelin anti-tank missiles, and Stinger air defense systems have been depleted as the majority of them have been supplied to Ukraine in light of the war. 

Read more: US military dwindling in strength: WSJ