(CCTV via AP Video)BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping said China needs to speed up the modernization of its military to fend off threats in increasingly dangerous times. “The world isn’t safe at this moment," Mr Xi, wearing a camouflage military uniform, said on Sunday after riding in an open jeep at an army parade in Inner Mongolia. Mr Xi is reducing the 2.3-million strong force by 300,000 troops, mostly from the army, while expanding the navy and adding new rocket, cyber and outer-space capabilities. The primary goal of the PLA is to ensure the Communist Party stays in power -- a mission Mr Xi reminded troops of on Sunday. “Heed the party’s order forever, follow the party’s step forever, and always fight toward the direction where the party points,” Mr Xi said.

Source: Bangkok Post July 30, 2017 06:00 UTC