ZHURIHE, Inner Mongolia, July 30 (Xinhua) -- The Army Day parade Sunday demonstrated the achievements of China's military reform, said Han Weiguo, commander-in-chief of the parade.
The parade demonstrated the self-consciousness of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to safeguard the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and the PLA's loyalty to the CPC, Han said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.
It also showcased the new system, new composition and new achievements of the PLA, which has been reshaped in the reform, as well as its new thinking, new model and new capacities in building itself into a first-rate military force in the world, he said,
The parade showed to the world the power and capacity of the PLA, strengthened the PLA's determination to build a stronger force, raised the morale of PLA troops and will inspire the whole nation in the pursuit of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, said Han.
More than 12,000 service personnel from the army, navy, air force, armed police as well as the newly formed rocket force and strategic support troops, took part in the parade at Zhurihe military training base in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in north China.
President Xi Jinping reviewed the troops and made an important speech at the parade, which is part of the commemorations marking the PLA's 90th birthday that falls on Aug. 1.
The troops cherish this rare and precious opportunity. They felt very proud to be reviewed by the top leader, Han said.
The parade is a lively political education for all the servicemen, and a comprehensive test of their will and character, he said.
