PLA troops urged to contribute to Xinjiang's development

• Source: Xinhua
• [09:42 July 19 2010]
• Comments

A senior Chinese military leader has urged forces based in the western Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to draw up detailed measures to help the region achieve rapid development and long-term stability.

"It is an important task for soldiers and armed police to ensure the overall social stability of Xinjiang and promote leapfrog development and long-term stability," said Guo Boxiong, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, during a recent inspection of the region's People's Liberation Army units.

Guo passed greetings to troops on behalf of Hu Jintao, chairman of the Central Military Commission, and called on the troops to effectively support the local government in cracking down on violent crime and terrorist activities and in maintaining national and ethnic unity.

Guo said commanders should be specially trained to make fast and informed decisions during emergencies and complicated situations.

He said the troops should also contribute to environmental protection, disaster relief and resolving the problems of local people.