Chinese President asks troops to boost their "deterrence and combat capabilities"

Chinese President Xi Jinping has asked his troops to boost their "deterrence and combat capabilities", according to reports of news organisations.

The reports said that the Chinese President asked his troops for boosting their deterrence and combat capabilities after an inspection of a brigade of the People's Liberation Army's Rocket Force on Thursday; the news of which had been reported by Chinese state media. During the inspection Xi urged the strategic missile troops to "resolutely fulfil the tasks entrusted by the Party and the people," media reports said.

According to media reports, Xi asked for boost up in China's nuclear forces in the face of developments such as improved U.S. missile defences, better surveillance capabilities. Last month China had conducted a rare launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean.

China is locked up in conflicts with U.S. and European Union nations, and its own neighbour India as well. Against Philippines, it has been aggressive with regard to rights over seawaters in South China Sea.