"I wish you all the best. The motherland and the people look forward to seeing your triumphant return," he told the blue helmets.

In addition to the conversation with peacekeepers, Xi watched videos about the development of the PLA Central Theater Command and the commanding center and listened to senior officers' reports.

When meeting representatives from the theater command, the president requested that it should firmly uphold the Party's thought on strengthening the military in the new era, implement new defense strategies, continuously advance modernization efforts and combat training, and make new accomplishments to welcome the upcoming 20th CPC National Congress.

This was Xi's first inspection tour of a military facility in this year.

One week ago, he promoted the commander and political commissar of the PLA Central Theater Command to the rank of general, which is currently the highest rank for service members on active duty. They were lieutenant generals before their promotion.