Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), expressed his wishes for Spring Festival celebrations while attending a gala hosted by the CMC for retired officers from units based in Beijing on Friday.
Xi Jinping joined the veterans, who greeted him with warm applause, and inquired about their health and living conditions. Together, they reflected on the extraordinary journey of the Party, the country and the military over the past year and the significant achievements that have been made.
The veterans vowed to unite more firmly around the CPC Central Committee headed by Xi Jinping, unwaveringly follow Xi Jinping's thought leadership of socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era, and implement his concept of strengthening the armed forces.
They also pledged to uphold good traditions, maintain political integrity and make new contributions to building a strong country and achieving national revival in all areas through China's path to modernisation.
This year's Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on January 29.