Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, meets with senior officers while visiting the 16th army group, on July 18, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

CHANGCHUN-- President Xi Jinping called for strict management and training of the Chinese army to adapt to new situations and tasks and achieve the goal of a stronger army.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks when visiting the 16th army group on Saturday.

Xi stressed the army should keep up military training and combat preparedness.

The visit came just days ahead of Army Day, which is observed on Aug. 1 and marks the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC, Xi extended regards and gfestive reetings to military personnel during the visit.