Be prepared for combat: Chinese general
September 14th, 2012 - 1:18 pm ICT by IANSBeijing, Sep 14 (IANS) A senior Chinese general has urged the army not to be slack and be prepared for any possible military combat. The remark comes amid rising tensions between China and Japan over some disputed islands.
Efforts should be made to ensure that the military is capable of resolutely performing its duty to safeguard the country’s national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity whenever it is needed by the Party and the people, said Gen. Xu Caihou, vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission.
Xu made the remarks Thursday during an inspection of military units in north China’s Shanxi Province, reported Xinhua.
The military should improve its competence in the deterrent and operational missions, Xu said.
The army should always keep its political resolution, ideological stability and unity, Xu said.
Moreover, Xu told the military to improve efforts to keep the soldiers well-informed of important current events and policies.
China and Japan claim rights over the disputed islands in the East China Sea. It lies on a vital shipping route and are surrounded by large hydrocarbon deposits beneath them.
Japan says it has controlled the islands since 1895 until its surrender at the end of World War II. The islands were controlled by the US from 1945 to 1972 and subsequently returned to Japan’s control. China claims the islands’ discovery and control since the 14th century.
- Chinese ships patrol disputed islands - Sep 14, 2012
- China must teach Japan a lesson, says Chinese daily - Sep 12, 2012
- China warns Japan over purchase of disputed islands - Sep 11, 2012
- China must build regional security pattern: Daily - Sep 20, 2012
- Chinese daily warns of China, Japan `full confrontation' - Sep 13, 2012
- US sides with China's opponents, says daily - Sep 19, 2012
- China not for war in South China Sea - Aug 01, 2012
- Chinese military expert says nuke strategy no threat to neighbors - Apr 23, 2010
- Chinese aircraft carrier to serve in South China Sea - Aug 17, 2011
- China, North Korea seek to boost military ties - Nov 19, 2009
Tags: 14th century, central military commission, chairman of china, chinese general, east china sea, hydrocarbon deposits, military combat, military units, national sovereignty, north china, operational missions, political resolution, s central, shanxi province, shipping route, territorial integrity, vice chairman, world war ii, xinhua, xu caihou