CRI:

As we know, President Xi Jinping has attached vital importance to raise political awareness in the military, which is also seen as a fundamental task for our armed forces. Could you give us an introduction on raising political awareness in the military after the CPC's 18th National Congress?

Pan Qinghua:

Thanks for your question. Political work is the lifeline of the PLA, as well as its most prominent characteristic and greatest strength. Since the Party's 18th National Congress, in order to achieve the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation and the goal of developing world-class forces in an all-round way, we have made great efforts to reinforce and improve political work and catalyzed innovative development. China's armed forces unswervingly take Xi Jinping's thinking on strengthening the military as the guidance, firmly uphold Xi Jinping's position as the core of the CPC Central Committee and the whole Party, firmly uphold the authority of the Central Committee and its centralized and unified leadership, and follow the CMC Chairman responsibility system, in an effort to further strengthen the consciousness of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core and keep in alignment.

It is reflected in the following three aspects: First, focusing on some prominent problems in the past, "The Decision on Issues Concerning the Army's Political Work Under New Circumstances" was adopted. Efforts to this end include promoting the ideals, values and principles of the Party, establishing new political standards for military personnel, and fostering a culture that values political work ethics. Second, a meeting on Party building of the Central Military Commission was held, so as to enhance its political and theoretical buildup, consolidate organizations, improve conduct, and enforce discipline in the new era. Third, to meet the objective of building a strong military for a new era, great efforts are being made to cultivate officers and soldiers of the new era with faith, ability, courage and integrity, and build troops with iron-like faith, conviction, discipline and commitment.

Global Times:

According to foreign media reports, Qian Weiping, the former vice head of the Equipment Development Department under the Central Military Commission (CMC) was arrested for alleged spying allegation. What is your comment on these reports?

Wu Qian:

I can tell you categorically that the spying allegation is false. As far as I know, Qian is now under investigation by the CMC's Discipline Inspection Commission for severe disciplinary violations and work-related crimes.