Xi emphasizes importance of military training for combat readiness.

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited a naval base in Guangdong province and urged the country's navy to be "firm and flexible" in defending its interests, particularly in the South China Sea where there are multiple territorial disputes with neighbouring countries. Xi also emphasized the importance of the ongoing modernisation programme of the People's Liberation Army during his visit to the base, which is home to the South Sea Fleet responsible for the South China Sea.