President Xi Jinping has urged officers and soldiers guarding the country's border areas to be more aware of their mission and responsibilities, carry forward good traditions, step up their training and faithfully perform their duties.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remark recently in his reply letter to a battalion of the People's Liberation Army that has been commended for defending China's frontiers on the plateau in the Tibet autonomous region.

Border troops, who are in the forefront of protecting the country, shoulder arduous tasks and important responsibilities, Xi said, urging them to make new contributions to the Party and people.

In the letter, Xi extended sincere greetings to the officers and soldiers of the battalion, saying that they have done an excellent job over the past five years.

They have borne in mind the mission that the Party and people have granted them, stood fast and guarded the homeland by devoting their youth and enthusiasm, Xi said.

The battalion is stationed 4,800 meters above sea level in an area with a minimum temperature of -40 C that is lashed by winds of at least gale-force for more than 200 days every year.

Despite the harsh environment, the officers and soldiers carry out their duties faithfully and responsibly.

In 2016, Xi awarded the battalion the honorary title of "Model Battalion in Defending China's Frontiers on the Plateau".

In the letter they recently wrote to Xi, the officers and soldiers of the battalion reported on their work over the past five years and expressed their firm belief and resolve to loyally guard the country's borders.