China's Xi orders 'crushing blow' to terrorism

Chinese President Xi Jinping (2nd R) watches drills of troops of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. President Xi Jinping visited troops in Xinjiang on April 27 and 29. (Xinhua/Li Gang)

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered troops stationed in Xinjiang to deal a "crushing blow" to terrorists.

Xi, chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when visiting the People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops stationed in Xinjiang.

Speaking with senior PLA officials on Sunday, Xi ordered PLA forces to assist local government and party departments in combating terrorism and safeguarding social stability.

All forms of terrorism should be rooted out in an early phase, while decisive action must be taken to stop terrorists gaining momentum, he said.

In a separate meeting with officials from the PLA and China's armed police forces in Xinjiang on Tuesday, Xi said the long-term stability of the autonomous region is vital to the whole country's reform, development and stability, as well as to national unity, ethnic harmony and national security.

He called on the PLA and the armed police to play a better role in protecting China's borders and combating violent and terrorist activities.

They must work to enhance ethnic unity and should participate in and assist Xinjiang's future development and construction, in order to contribute to the region's lasting peace and order, Xi said.