China Xi emphasizes security, calls his military ‘Great Wall of Steel’ – WorldNews WAALI

BEIJING: China needs security to develop and must modernize its military to make it a “Great Wall of Steel”, President Xi Jinping said on Monday, amid rising tensions with the United States.

Speaking for the first time in his record-breaking third term as head of state, Xi called on China to increase its ability to safeguard national security and manage public safety.

“Security is the foundation for development, stability is the prerequisite for prosperity,” he said when closing the annual session of parliament.

The ruling Communist Party is expected to tighten party oversight over security matters, a move that comes after Xi replaced top security officials with trusted allies.

China’s Xi Jinping slams US-led ‘deterrence’

Xi also said Monday that China must achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, a call that comes as the United States blocks China’s access to chip-making equipment and other cutting-edge technologies.