China's President Xi Jinping has taken on a new military title, in his latest move to exert greater control over the armed forces.

Mr Xi is now commander in chief of the military's Joint Operations Command Centre.

State media showed him visiting the centre wearing camouflage fatigues.

China's foreign policy has become increasingly assertive in recent years, especially on its claims to disputed territories in the South China Sea.

Mr Xi is already General Secretary of the Communist Party, and chair of the Central Military Commission, which manages the People's Liberation Army.

Correspondents say that, given Mr Xi's consolidation of power in China, the move will be interpreted by some as a propaganda message that he is now in absolute control.

During his visit to the centre on Wednesday, which was widely publicised in state media, he said the armed forces should be "absolutely loyal" and "capable of winning wars".

Experts say his appearance in military fatigues may also be a display of strength aimed at China's rivals.

China and several of its neighbours are locked in a territorial dispute over the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety.

Source:
courtesy of BBC NEWS

by BBC News

If you have any stories or news that you would like to share with the global online community, please feel free to share it with us by contacting us directly at [email protected]