The New Year art performance to comfort retired senior cadres of the PLA stationed in Beijing, hosted by the Central Military Commission of the CPC, was held on the afternoon of the 6th. Xi Jinping, Chairman of the CMC, attended and watched the performance, extending festive greetings and New Year wishes to veteran comrades and retired senior military cadres of the army. "The comrades present unanimously expressed their firm implementation of the chairman responsibility system of the Central Military Commission."
After reports on December 24th last month that Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Zhang Youxia and CMC member Liu Zhenli had been placed under investigation, there has been a steady flow of news and analysis about the current political and military situation in China, making Xi Jinping's attendance at this event all the more closely watched.
According to Xinhua News Agency's report on the 7th, "At around 4 p.m., Xi Jinping came among the veteran comrades, and the entire audience warmly applauded. Xi Jinping had cordial exchanges and greetings with everyone, inquiring with concern about their health and living conditions, and jointly looking back on the extraordinary journey and major achievements over the past year in the Party, the country, and the military."
The report stated, "The veteran comrades unanimously expressed that they would unite even more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as their guide, thoroughly implement Xi Jinping’s Thought on Strengthening the Military, deeply comprehend the decisive significance of the 'Two Establishes', firmly carry out the 'Two Upholds', implement the chairman responsibility system of the Central Military Commission, promote glorious traditions and always maintain their political character, strengthen their convictions, and move forward courageously, making contributions to achieving the centenary goal of the founding of the army on schedule and advancing high-quality modernization of national defense and the armed forces."
The report mentioned that the performances fully demonstrated "the deep care and concern of the Commander-in-Chief for the grassroots and officers and soldiers, highlighting the rock-solid conviction of all army personnel to be firmly aligned, follow, and strive for a strong military. The whole performance was fresh, lively, and uplifting, presenting the vigorous atmosphere of military art services strengthening the army, serving the grassroots, and serving the officers and soldiers."