PLA urged to unite behind Xi Jinping and prevent 'political liberalism'
Call comes as ruling elite gathers for annual closed-door meetings amid concerns about how far president's anti-corruption campaign will reach
The PLA's political wing has urged officers and soldiers to stand united behind the leadership of President Xi Jinping in a call that coincides with the annual summer meeting of the ruling elite at the seaside retreat in Beidaihe.
Soldiers should resolutely prevent "liberalism in politics" and "oppose misconceptions" that might hinder reform efforts, the military's General Political Department said in a circular published in the PLA Daily yesterday.
"The party's leadership over the army must be absolutely upheld," it said.
The circular comes at a politically sensitive time. Party elites are gathering in Beidaihe to work out major policy decisions, including on a reform programme for the world's largest armed force.
The military has also fallen under scrutiny as Xi widens his anti-corruption campaign.
In June, the party said it had expelled Xu Caihou, a retired general and former vice-chairman of the powerful Central Military Commission. Xu faces a court martial on charges of corruption, becoming the most senior PLA officer to fall in the anti-graft drive.