Xi vows to modernise China's military, intensify anti-corruption drive
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday pledged to strengthen and modernise the country’s armed forces while vowing to intensify the Communist Party’s campaign against corruption, as he addressed political. . .
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Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday pledged to strengthen and modernise the country’s armed forces while vowing to intensify the Communist Party’s campaign against corruption, as he addressed political and military leaders during celebrations marking the ruling party’s 105th founding anniversary. Speaking at the Great Hall of the People, Xi told senior political leaders, military officials and Communist Party members that building a stronger military remained a national priority. He saidChinamust continue to “uphold the party’s absolute leadership” over the armed forces while accelerating military modernisation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD“We must advance the modernisation of national defence and the armed forces,” Xi told party members. Anti-corruption campaign remains a priorityXi also reiterated his commitment to eliminating corruption within the Communist Party, describing it as a long-term challenge. The CCP also has to “resolutely wage the critical, protracted, and comprehensive battle against corruption”, he added. More from WorldHis remarks come as analysts continue to question the effectiveness of China’s armed forces following Xi’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign, which has removed several senior military figures. Over the past three years, the campaign has led to the dismissal of two defence ministers and reduced the once seven-member Central Military Commission, China’s top military body, to only Xi and one other general. In May, state media reported that the Central Military Commission, headed by Xi, introduced new measures to “establish iron rules for strict education, strict management, and strict supervision” of senior military officers. Xi reiterates Taiwan’s position. Xi also reaffirmed Beijing’s longstanding position on Taiwan, which China regards as part of its territory. “Resolving the Taiwan question and realising the complete unification of the motherland is an unswerving historical mission of our party and the shared aspiration of all Chinese people,” he said. He also urged China to “oppose interference by external forces”, without identifying any country. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was founded on July 1, 1921, and had more than 101 million members as of late 2025, according to state news agency Xinhua. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADFirst Published:July 01, 2026, 12:48 ISTEnd of Article