Xi Jinping has pledged to strengthen China\u2019s security and build the military into a \u201cgreat wall of steel\u201d to defend the country\u2019s interests as relations with the west reach the lowest point in decades.<\/p>\n
The Chinese president\u2019s speech on Monday to the nearly 3,000 delegates of the National People\u2019s Congress came at the close of the country\u2019s annual rubber-stamp parliamentary session, during which Xi secured an unprecedented third term as president and appointed a close ally as his number two.<\/p>\n
After thanking delegates for his unanimous re-election last week, Xi said he would \u201cbuild the military into a great wall of steel that effectively safeguards national sovereignty, security and our development interests\u201d.<\/p>\n
He also pledged to better marry \u201cdevelopment and security\u201d, stating that \u201csafety is the foundation of development, and stability is the prerequisite for prosperity\u201d.<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n Xi Jinping pledged to build China's military into a 'great wall of steel' to defend the country\u2019s interests, including Taiwan https:\/\/t.co\/3bFpc3200Y<\/a><\/p>\n — Financial Times (@FinancialTimes) March 13, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n