BEIJING, Aug. 31 (Xinhuanet) -- President Xi Jinping has visited the Shenyang military theater of operations, and observed a training session for the country’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning. Xi, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, has called for increased strengthening of the military so as to enhance its ability to fulfil missions.

President Xi urged the military to make greater contributions to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. On Wednesday, he watched the training exercises of carrier-based aircraft and asked questions about the equipment at a training base of the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

Xi applauded the pilots’ performance and praised their command of flight skills in adverse weather conditions. He also visited the city of Dalian and boarded China’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, at Dalian Port, where he inspected a parade of the honor guard.

Xi discussed the capabilities and features of the equipment on board and was told about the soldiers’ training procedures.

(Source: CNTV.cn)