TIANJIN -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday inspected troops stationed in North China's Tianjin municipality ahead of the Spring Festival, or Chinese Lunar New Year.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), extended festive greetings to service personnel of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force, civilian personnel posted in the military, and members of militia and reserve forces, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC.

On Friday morning, Xi met with representatives of the Tianjin garrison command and posed for group photos with them.

Xi said that troops stationed in Tianjin have resolutely implemented the decisions and instructions of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC over the past year, made concrete advancement in various areas of work and excelled in completing major tasks.

Commending the troops' performance in supporting Tianjin in its flood relief efforts, Xi said their contributions have been significant to the protection of people's lives and property.

For the new year, Xi urged the full implementation of the Party's thinking on strengthening the military and military strategy for the new era, and efforts to achieve the goals set for the centenary of the People's Liberation Army in 2027.

Xi also stressed that as the 2024 Spring Festival approaches, the country's armed forces should strengthen combat readiness, safeguard national security, and maintain social stability to ensure people have a joyful and peaceful Spring Festival.